[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 055 (Monday, April 7, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JAMES THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2003

  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a constituent and 
fallen hero--James Thomas passed at the age of 82.
  James Thomas, or better known as Jim, was a great-grandfather, 
grandfather, father and loving husband. Jim was a highly decorated 
veteran of World War II and served in the Army Air Corps as a gunner. 
After numerous heroic missions over the skies of Europe, Jim's plane 
was shot down. This led to his capture and he was subsequently held as 
a Prisoner of War (POW) until Allied Forces liberated him.
  Jim played an active roll in our local community and has been a role 
model for many around him. He was a member of several farm 
organizations and military associations to include: the American Ex-
Prisoners of War; the American Legion; AMVETS; and the Tulare 
Historical Society. Jim was also an active member of the First Church 
of God and volunteered year after year at the World Ag Expo in Tulare.
  Jim is survived by his wife, Eleanor Thomas; his children, Mike 
Thomas, Jannette Hill and Carol Kemp; his brothers, Raymond and George 
Thomas; and eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
  Mr. Thomas was a personal friend and mentor whom I knew my entire 
life. I will never forget the many lessons he taught me about war, 
agriculture, personal integrity and perseverance. Today, I honor this 
brave soldier and family man.

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