Sergeant James Noyes was born on May 4, 1954 and was raised in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In 1972 he graduated from Haverhill High School and in 1976 went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Sgt. Noyes settled in Madison and became actively involved with the community as he and his wife raised their three children. He served on several committees within the school system, was avid supporter of the local sports teams, and went on to become a coach.

On February 25, 1977, Sgt. Noyes was hired by the New Hampshire State Police. During his career, he worked with the Major Crime Unit, the Narcotics Investigation Unit, and the SWAT team. He was eventually assigned to the Troop E barracks in Tamworth and was the Unit Commander of the New Hampshire State Police SWAT Team.

On October 3, 1994 the New Hampshire State Police SWAT team responded to Gilford for a despondent man who had barricaded himself inside his home. The subject was distraught about the recent death of his wife and was threatening suicide. Sgt. Noyes talked to the man through a window much of the night in order to attempt a peaceful resolution. Negotiations seemed to go well as the man surrendered several guns. The man however soon became despondent again and appeared close to shooting himself. Sgt. Noyes attempted to place a percussion grenade through an open window so that other Troopers could enter the residence and end the standoff. Sadly the man opened fire on Sgt. Noyes striking him under his arm, bypassing his bullet proof vest. The man then committed suicide. On November 16, 1995 Sgt. Noyes was posthumously awarded the Medal of Valor for his bravery, which was presented to his wife Debra.

At the time of his death Sgt. Noyes was a 17 year veteran of the New Hampshire State Police and was only 40 years old. He was survived by his wife, daughter, and two sons. In December of 2001, Sgt. Noyes' oldest son followed in his father's footsteps and joined the New Hampshire State Police.