Mr. Jimmy Thomas was one of the finest persons I have ever known!  From the time I was a child I knew him because he and his family attended the Cumberland Presbyterian Church which my family and I attended.  He was present “every time the doors were opened,” and he was a friend and supporter of his pastors.  Long before I was old enough to attend high school, he was exerting a positive influence on my life.
    Beneath one of the photographs I have of him in my scrapbook he had written these words, “Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, ‘The things taught in schools and colleges are not an education, but the means of an education.’  This is an eternal truth. Only by making use of the skills and knowledge we acquire in school can we learn to live a full life.  Never stop learning, for when you do, you may as well stop living.”
    Mr. Jimmy was the kind of person who encourages persons to live their life to the fullest and fulfill their destiny.  For example, during my senior year in high school he wrote the following personal note in my school yearbook: “Don Harold, here is hoping you have all the success in the world in your chosen profession.”  I treasure that note, not simply because it is in his own handwriting, but because it is one of those messages of encouragement to which one can return again and again for the kind of inspiration that motivates a person to continue to meet the challenges of life.
    Whether it involved working out one’s class schedule or assisting a person in dealing with some personal issue, Mr. Jimmy spent endless time and demonstrated inexhaustible patience in helping students to deal with whatever problems they might have been having.
    One of the reasons he is remembered with such deep appreciation by those who knew him is that he was totally dedicated to his work.  Many nights my parents and I would drive by the school and we would see the lights burning in his office.  This is one of the reasons why the school system in Milan was so strong during his tenure.
    He had a deep and genuine faith in God.  I recall the afternoon when I confided in him regarding a personal problem.  He took me into the vacated school cafeteria where we sat down and discussed the matter.  After a lengthy discussion, he had a prayer with me, and I still remember the words he spoke to God in that prayer.  It was a moment in which I was touched to the center of my being by his concern for me and his deep faith in God.
    Though Mr. Jimmy was physically small and short, he was a giant in character, wisdom, and common sense.  He lived his Christianity every day.  He not only taught and advocated honesty, character, integrity, and love, but he also embodied these traits of character.
    There is no way to calculate the positive influence he exerted on countless lives--not only on students and colleagues, but also on neighbors and fellow citizens who knew, appreciated, and respected him.
    In an Appreciation for Mr. Jimmy Thomas which was published several years ago, Milton Mayo wrote the following comments: “A scholar and a gentleman, with a heart as big as a basketball, who has guided MHS in a decade to one of the best schools in the state.  Your patience, mixed with sound planning and hard work, has taught us all much.  To say we miss you would be a gross understatement.  To say we look forward to the return of the ‘Captain’ to his ship would sum it up for all the faculty, students, and citizens of Milan.  So hurry back--your desk and keys are waiting.”
    In that same Appreciation, Mrs. Johnny Hale Metcalf wrote: “The people of Milan and adjacent areas (especially those concerned with the progress of the local school system) have known for some years that the coming of Mr. Jimmy Thomas to Milan was a forward movement in the educational program for the town and community.  The expansion of the city schools during these ten years has been remarkable.  The variety of courses offered in greatly expanded physical facilities is the most significant testimony to his value as leader in a post-war period of change and adjustment.  His untiring work with forgetfulness of self in every type of endeavor has brought to all a realization of his inestimable worth in school administration for his labours have been motivated by Christian love and acceptance.”
    Another photograph I have of him in my scrapbook pictures him standing next to the control unit of the famous old Public Address System.  I can still hear his voice on the speaker as he broke into a class with some special announcement: “May I have your attention please...”
    In yet another photograph Mr. Thomas is pictured behind the old high school lectern which usually sat on the stage in the school auditorium.  Mr. Jimmy or Mr. Mayo would usually stand behind this lectern while making announcements during the 10:00 to 10:30 A.M. Assembly Period.  And, who can forget those words which Mr. Jimmy would utter at the close of each Assembly: “Everyone now report to your third period class.”  Ministers from local churches throughout the community would stand behind that lectern as they gave weekly devotional.  (At this point we were still living during a time during in which it was permissible to discuss God and the Bible and have prayer in the public school.)  I even recall a time when former Tennessee Governor Gordon Browning stood behind that lectern to address our student body.  That old lectern was used during Awards Day and Graduation.  In my mind I can still see Mr. Thomas standing behind that lectern and the graduation diplomas sitting on a table in front of the lectern.
    Mr. Thomas’ full name was James Ward “Jimmy” Thomas.  He was married to Kathryn Virginia Hudson Thomas (April 10, 1911 to November 16, 2002) who was born in Gibson County.  Her funeral was conducted at Bodkin Funeral Home in Milan by Rev. Don Caperton on November 19th.  Jimmy and Kathryn celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary in August, 1985.  Their son, Dr. Tom Thomas, lives in Franklin, Tennessee.
    Mr. Jimmy was born on February 5, 1910, in Newbern, Tennessee to the late Rev. J.H. and Ida Orr Thomas.  He attended schools in McKenzie, Dyer, and Peabody High School in Trenton, Southwestern College in Memphis, and Bethel College in McKenzie.  He earned his B.S. Degree and his M.A. Degree at George Peabody College in Nashville.  He attended postgraduate school at Cambridge University and Oxford University after serving in the U.S. Army Air Force.
    He was a coach and teacher at Peabody High School and Tiptonville High School; principal of Trenton Elementary School and coach at Trenton High School; and principal and coach at Humboldt High School from 1940 to 1943 when entered the armed services.  He then returned to Humboldt in 1945 and served as coach and principal until 1946 when he moved to Tiptonville as superintendent.  After two years, he moved to Milan in 1948 to serve for the next nineteen years as Superintendent of Schools, resigning in 1967.  He then taught Psychology and Education for two years at Bethel College before moving to Humboldt as supervisor of instruction for the next six years.  He was as Supervisor of Humboldt City Schools until retirement in 1975.  He moved back to Milan in 1978.
    He was named Who’s Who in Tennessee 1961.  He was a member of the national, state, and West Tennessee education associations, the Gibson County Teachers Association, Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, Trenton Lions Club, Milan Rotary Club, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, and the Milan Chamber of Commerce.  He was secretary-treasurer of the Big Ten Conference from 1950 to 1957.
    In a letter which I received on April 2, 2001 from Mr. Jimmy’s son, Dr. Tom Thomas, he recalls, first of all, some humorous things regarding his dad: “My reflections of Dad are too many to really do justice.  I’m sure you recall his ‘discipline with humor’ approach.  For example, if you were caught smoking, you received the number of ‘licks’ with a paddle as there were letters in the name of the brand of cigarettes, except if one was caught smoking Chesterfields!
    “There is a rather famous story about Dad when he was principal and football coach at Tiptonville.  The teachers had given Dad and Mother a pig as a Christmas present, which was not uncommon in those days due to money being in short supply.  In a prank, the football players kidnapped the pig and painted it red.  When the culprits were apprehended, they were punished by having to recite, “This little piggy,” one-toe-at-a-time in front of the entire student body.  Years afterward, at a class reunion, the group presented him with an autographed pink toy pig, which I still have.
    “Dad was the youngest of three brothers, and Dad’s father was a rather strict Cumberland Presbyterian minister.  The family was not allowed to have a Sunday newspaper.  Dad’s brother, Rev. L.L. Thomas, would always tell great stories on Dad, such as his getting up early to read the comics from the neighbor’s newspaper.  In another instance, Dad hit a home run in a Sunday afternoon baseball game, which was, of course, not where he was supposed to be.  To make matters even worse, on that particular day, due to hitting the game-winning home run, Dad won a case of beer, and this made the headlines in the local newspaper.  Despite some moments of anxiety, this event went unnoticed by Dad’s father since he did not read the sports’ section, even when the newspaper came on Monday.  I suspect these experiences contributed to Dad’s wonderful sense of humor and his ability to deal with the variety of problems that principals, coaches, and teachers inevitably face.”
    On a more serious note, Dr. Tom continues: “Like many individuals of his generation, Dad was quietly proud of his years in the Military Service during World War II.  He was a Master Sergeant in the 8th Air Force and spent much of the war in England.  Another unnoticed service of his generation is the one that fell on many hundreds of school officials requiring them to meet the challenges of desegregation during the 1960’s.  I think Dad’s respected status in the community and his sense of humor helped him to do this without destroying the fine school system and the community.
    “When I make it back to my class reunions, I am always amazed at how many of my classmates have gone into education.  We have quite a few principals and superintendents in the MHS Class of 1966.  I am sure that Dad would be very proud of all of them.”
    On June 30, 1975, after forty-two years of service in education, Mr. Thomas officially retired from the educational profession.
    In March, 1977, the Humboldt Exchange Club presented Mr. Thomas with its Book of Golden Deeds Award which recognizes outstanding individuals who have had a positive and profound effect on the community.  Mike Barker, awards chairman, described how much the community appreciated Mr. Jimmy, and he noted that he had always been a “builder of human lives.”
    On Friday, June 3, 1977, Mr. Thomas was honoured in a countywide salute initiated by the Gibson County Quarterly Court in its April 11th meeting which proclaimed June 3rd as “Jimmy Thomas Day.”  The public was invited to attend and honor Mr. Thomas.  Approximately 150 persons were in attendance.  Milton Mayo, Mr. Thomas’ successor as Superintendent of Milan City Schools, served as master of ceremonies.  The special event began with a banquet in the Milan High School cafeteria.  Milan Mayor Herb Davis gave the welcome and made Mr. Thomas an “Honorary Mayor.”  The invocation was given by Ralph Mays.  Approximately twelve speakers “roasted” and praised Mr. Jimmy by recalling memories of “days gone by” when they worked alongside him as fellow educators and associates.  Here are some of the comments that were offered during this special event: Dr. Mack Moore: “You are one of the greatest guys I know, and that comes from the heart.”  Ellis Truett: “If everybody served as well as Jimmy Thomas, the educational system would be better.  I roast you in jest, but to me you are the best.”  Mitchell Bennett: “He had strong convictions, yet had the courage to see them through.”  Milton Mayo: “No other person has had a greater influence on me in a professional way than Mr. Thomas.”  Dr. J.A. Barksdale: “No word on printed page or spoken word, can teach like the teacher himself.  Jimmy always emulated the philosophy of what teachers are themselves.”  Ralph Mays: “He lived the way we are supposed to live.  It’s difficult to find anything bad about him.  Always at work, Jimmy never had time for a break.  He has a great gift of working with others.”  Mike Barker: He’s the unsung hero of our community.  Jimmy is indeed a builder.”  A.F. Bridges: “Jimmy Thomas was a good athlete, student, coach, and superintendent.  Wherever he went he gained respect and love of students, teachers, and the entire community.  He is a gentleman who puts more into life than he takes out of it.”  Mary Dell Collins: “He was always a unique man, always engendering high morale, always finding out every facet of school life, and keeping us straight.”  She lauded Mr. Thomas for his efforts in getting teachers salary increases, and related many fond experiences at MHS under Mr. Jimmy’s administration.  Wylie Wheeler: “I’ll never forget his effort in the reception given our girls when they won the state basketball tournament; nor his influence on me in a positive way.  I’ve never had a greater influence in a professional way than Jimmy Thomas.”  Mrs. Johnny Hale Metcalf: “He set the pace for others to follow.  His entire life has been symbolized by patience, service, and Christian love.”  Robert Newell: “He taught me more in three days than I learned in graduate school.  It was like I had known him all my life.  He has the qualities of a great man.”  Mr. Newell then read letters of congratulations from Congressman Ed Jones and teachers from the Humboldt Jr. High School, all lauding Mr. Thomas for his lasting impressions.
    Finally, Dean Raymond Burroughs from Bethel College presented Mr. Thomas with a plaque whose inscription read: “In recognition of outstanding leadership, love and compassion for students.”
    Following the “roast,” Mr. Thomas had a chance to have the last word.  He expressed appreciation to all who had a part in honouring him.
    A volume of letters of appreciation from former students, teachers, and friends was presented to Mr. Thomas.  These letters were handled through the offices of Milton Mayo, Milan School Superintendent, and Ralph Mays, Humboldt School Superintendent.  Friends also presented him with a cash gift of $200.  Mr. Jimmy’s teaching, administrative, and coaching career spanned more than four decades.
    As my high school classmate, Danny Jones, reflected on this special event, he wrote: “Unique, desirable values, great influence, the best, patient, having Christian principles and love were some of the words of praise about Jimmy Thomas from fellow educators and associates at a dinner in his honor last Friday.”
    In his column, Editor’s 2 Cents Worth in the Milan-Mirror Exchange, Bob Parkins wrote: “There’s probably no other educator in Gibson County who had dedicated his life to so many facets of education as Jimmy Thomas.  It is fitting that the Gibson County Quarterly Court has proclaimed June 3rd as ‘Jimmy Thomas Day.’  As Superintendent of Milan Schools, he left footprints difficult for anyone to duplicate.  His kind, gentle mannerisms command respect and discipline.  We have never heard any unkind words about Mr. Thomas...Few men ever render such longevity of service in so many different aspects of education as Jimmy Thomas...But what’s more important is the influence he exerted on so many lives, both young and old in a span of time covering four decades.”
    In a Letter to the Editor, Mr. Thomas wrote the following letter to Bob Parkins: “Please accept this note as a means of trying to express to you my thanks and appreciation for the many kindnesses during the years and, of course, all the things you and your staff have done in the past few weeks.  Your Editor’s 2 Cents Worth in the Milan Mirror in regard to Jimmy Thomas Day was by far the most exhilarating piece of journalism I have ever read.  I shall put it on the first page of my memory book and read it every time my ego needs refurbishing.
    “Bob, you mentioned in your letter to me about living next to us in Trenton.  I remember it well.  Your dad and I did some fishing together.  In July of 1928, I was living in Dyer next to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and your mother and dad lived in a house behind the church.  An A-Model Ford ran over me in front of our house.  For several days it looked like there would be no Jimmy Thomas Day.  One of the fondest memories I have is recalling your mother bringing in a plate of food which was the first meal I ate after the accident.”
     Toward the end of 1985, I went to the hospital in Jackson to visit a person who belongs to the church we attend, and, as I was walking down the corridor toward that person’s room, I passed by a particular room in which I saw Mr. Jimmy sitting on a bed.  I immediately stopped and went into his room to visit with him.  A few days later I returned for another visit.  He told me how much he enjoyed having an opportunity to look back at the many people and memories associated with Milan, the high school, and the church.  We discussed a number of the students and teachers and many of the things which had happened to so many of them.  Even though he was very weak, congested, and having a difficult time breathing, he still had that wonderful sense of humor, and he described a number of humorous things which had happened to him and others across the years.  That was the last time I saw him.
     I telephoned him during Christmas of that year to wish him and Kathryn a Happy Holiday Season.  At the time I called he was at home and out of the hospital; however, he was so weak that he was able to talk with me only briefly before handing the telephone to Kathryn.  He was filled with emotion, and I could tell from what he said that he knew that he was drawing near to the end of his earthly life.  During that telephone conversation I reiterated what I had already said to him in the hospital--how deeply I appreciated him, what a profound influence he had had on my life, and how fortunate I had been to have known someone like him.  That was the last conversation I had with him.
     Mr. Jimmy died of a heart attack shortly before midnight on Friday March 7, 1986, at the Regional Hospital in Jackson.  His funeral service was conducted by Rev. Robert Rush at the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Milan on Monday, March 10th.  Pallbearers were Milton Mayo, Wylie Wheeler, Rowland Rawls, Ralph Holt, Dr. Robert P. Denney, and Steve Caldwell.  Honorary pallbearers were the Gleaners Sunday School Class, the Men’s Bible Class, and the elders of the Milan Cumberland Presbyterian Church.  Mr. Jimmy and his wife, Kathryn, are buried in the Oakwood Cemetery in Dyer, Tennessee.  They are survived by their son, Dr. Tom Thomas, of Franklin, Tennessee.
     Dad used to tell me that there are two types of people in the world--those who take and those who give--or, as he put it, “the givers and the takers.”  He was constantly telling me how important it is for persons to choose to “give” something to the world rather than “take” from the world.  Those who are fortunate enough to have known Jimmy Thomas can testify to the fact that he was truly a “giving” person.  He was one of those special persons who give the world something as they pass through.  Yes, the world is a better place because he came our way and touched our lives.  Thanks, Mr. Jimmy, for all you have given to each of us who have had the privilege of knowing and appreciating you.

Footnote: In addition to my own scrapbook, memorabilia, and personal memories of Mr. Jimmy, I am deeply indebted to those who have written personal letters, the biographical information which was provided by the staff of Funeral Home, and the excellent articles which appeared in the Milan-Mirror Exchange.  All of this serves as a background for the above article.  I welcome further correspondence from anyone who would like to provide further memories and information about Mr. Thomas.  (DHL)