Bill Text: VA HJR448 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Celebrating the life of James Edward Thomas.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2018-03-09 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ448ER) [HJR448 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2018-HJR448-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, James Edward Thomas, a beloved husband and father, distinguished United States Army officer, and respected Arlington resident, died on August 23, 2017; and
WHEREAS, James "Jim" Edward Thomas was born in Newton, Kansas, and moved to Herlong, California, as a child; he attended Herlong High School and then graduated from San Jose State College in 1959; and
WHEREAS, on July 2, 1959, Jim Thomas was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army; starting out as an artillery officer, he forged a successful 27-year career before retiring as a lieutenant colonel; and
WHEREAS, during his army career, Jim Thomas served in Korea, Italy, Vietnam, Germany, and Fort Sheridan, Illinois, as well as at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia; he received numerous awards for his exemplary service, including the Army Commendation Medal, the Bronze Star with oak leaf cluster, and the Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster; and
WHEREAS, after leaving the Army in the 1980s, Jim Thomas brought his wide-ranging talents and leadership skills to management roles with Automation Research Systems and User Technology Associates, two contractors to the federal government; and
WHEREAS, Jim Thomas retired from the private sector in 1997 and settled in Arlington five years later; he was an active member of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington, serving as both its newsletter editor and as a longtime mentor and advisor to the Key Club at Washington-Lee High School; and
WHEREAS, in honor of his enthusiastic service and support of the Kiwanis Club of Arlington, Jim Thomas was recognized as its Kiwanian of the Year in 2007 and was awarded a George F. Hixson Fellowship; and
WHEREAS, known for his ever-present smile, love of good stories, and zest for life, Jim Thomas was happiest when spending time with his grandchildren, cooking, reading, or engaging in lively conversation with friends; and
WHEREAS, Jim Thomas will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of 48 years, Vicki; his sons, John and David, and their families; and countless other family members, friends, and Arlington residents; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of James Edward Thomas, an esteemed veteran and dedicated member of the Arlington community; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of James Edward Thomas as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.
