James Henry Thomas (2 March 1826 – 16 July 1884)[1] was a civil engineer who was Director of Public Works in Western Australia from 1876 to 1884.
In 1852, Thomas emigrated to New South Wales, where he was appointed resident engineer for the dry dock at Cockatoo Island Dockyard in Sydney.
In 1875, Thomas emigrated to Western Australia to take up the positions of Director of Public Works, Government Engineer and Commissioner of Railways.
In July 1883, the Western Australian Legislative Council amended its membership to include the Director of Public Works as an official nominee member.
Thomas was buried 17 July 1884 in the East Perth Cemeteries, a ball scheduled for the same day by the Governor of Western Australia in honour of Queen Victoria's birthday was postponed out of respect.