[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 33 (Thursday, March 17, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E479]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF JACK HOLMES THOMAS

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                   HON. CHARLES W. ``CHIP'' PICKERING

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2005

  Mr. PICKERING. Mr. Speaker, on March 11, Jack Holmes Thomas Sr. 
passed away after a short battle with acute leukemia at age 80. Jack 
was a man of God who served his family, community and country honorably 
and with distinction and I take this opportunity to remember his life.
  Born on January 10, 1925 in Natchez, Mississippi, Jack was the 
husband of Helen Putt Thomas and the father of two sons: Jack H. Thomas 
Jr. and Robert Bryan Thomas. He had five grandchildren: Chris, Mallory, 
Chase, Tiffany and Heather.
  Jack was part of ``the greatest generation'' and served in the US 
Marine Corps in World War II where he earned the Purple Heart. He 
graduated from Mississippi State University in 1951 with a bachelor of 
science in agricultural education and served the US Department of 
Agriculture for thirty-three years before retiring.
  Jack was a past president of the Mississippi Federation of the 
National Association of Retired Federal Employees, an active life 
member of the Elk Lodge, a past president of the Starkville Shriners 
Club, and a strong Mississippi State University supporter and avid 
Bulldog fan.
  Jack was a faithful member and deacon of First Baptist Church of 
Starkville and taught Sunday school and discipleship training while in 
Oklahoma.
  Mr. Speaker, Jack Thomas has long been a blessing to his family and 
friends, but one that was felt beyond those people in the community at 
large. We mourn his passing, but we celebrate his life.

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