James Thackston was a resident of Orange County, North Carolina by 1768. In 1769 he opened a store in Hillsborough with fellow merchant William Johnston. Thackston and Johnston's business was a firm supporter of the North Carolina Militia during the War of Regulation and Thackston himself also served in the Orange County Militia. Later Thackston served as an officer for the Patriots during the American Revolution and died in Fayetteville in about 1792.