[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 10 (Thursday, January 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E25]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. JAMES MADISON ``JIM'' THOMAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. AARON BEAN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 12, 2023

  Mr. BEAN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Marine TSgt (retired) James Madison ``Jim'' Thomas, beloved husband, 
father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great grandfather, 
veteran, first responder, and dedicated public servant. At 101 years 
young, Jim was a pillar of the community. He served as Chairman of the 
Nassau County Commission, Chairman of the School Board, a Nassau County 
Sherriff's Deputy, and a Marine Tech Sergeant.
  He was born in Yulee, Florida and was the son of the late David M. 
and Chal Treatie May Thomas. He attended school in Yulee and would 
eventually earn his GED after joining the U.S. Marine Corps.
  Jim's love for his country was unparalleled. At the age of 17, he 
joined the U.S. Marine Corps before the beginning of World War II. Jim 
was a highly decorated combat veteran of World War II and the Battle of 
Guadalcanal serving with the 1st Marine Division, 1st Expeditionary 
Force, 1st Combat Engineer Pioneer Battalion--nicknamed ``The Super 
Breed.'' His battalion was awarded The Presidential Unit Citation for 
their extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy under 
extremely difficult and hazardous conditions. Jim was honorably 
discharged at the rank of Technical Sergeant with over 14 years of 
service to the nation. Never someone who would accept accolades for his 
military service--he would quickly reply, ``I was just doing my duty.''
  Jim returned home to Nassau County and quickly became an integral 
part of the community. Through the years he served Nassau County in a 
variety of ways. He worked for the School Board as Maintenance 
Supervisor, and the Nassau County Sheriff's Office as a Juvenile 
Officer. Along with being a Sheriff's Deputy, he was elected to the 
School Board. During his tenure, he was instrumental in constructing 2 
new schools in his first 4 years--Emma Love Hardee Elementary and 
Callahan Elementary.
  He went on to serve the community as the Chairman of the Board of 
County Commissioners. When asked to describe his most rewarding act as 
a commissioner, it was a quick and easy response. He was responsible 
for the monument that is standing today at the base of Center Street to 
publicly display the names of residents who gave their life in the 
service to our country.
  Jim was also an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of 
Fernandina Beach where he taught Sunday School and was an Elder and 
Deacon.
  Jim served his God, his family, his community, and his country with 
honor and devotion.
  In addition to his parents and his siblings, Jim was predeceased by 
his wife of 65 years, Ann Thomas, a son, Phillip Terry Thomas and a 
son-in-law, Fred Armstrong. He leaves behind his 3 daughters, Linda 
Armstrong, Brenda Wall and her husband, James, and Beth McDonald and 
her husband, Larry, all of Fernandina Beach as well as a daughter-in-
law, Alicia Thomas of Glen St. Mary; 17 grandchildren; 39 great-
grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren and a large extended 
family.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues in Congress join me in 
celebrating and honoring the life of James Madison ``Jim'' Thomas, a 
leader, a believer, a patriot, and a friend to so many. Jim will be 
greatly missed, but fondly remembered by all who knew him.

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