Gift of a Lifetime -- Jim Thomas

Gift of a Lifetime

Jim Thomas

On his 65th birthday, family and friends honor him as
an example of generosity, support, consistency and love

Jim is praised for his "morals, unwavering character" and "his calm and coolness."

Jim Thomas early on displayed those qualities of a champion that have inspired his family and colleagues ever since.

As longtime friend Ed Oliver recalls, "During his school years at Granby High in Norfolk, Jimmy was an outstanding athlete, held and broke state records in field and track. His strongest events were the 110 and 120 high-and-low hurdles. Twenty years ago, Jim and his wife ventured into a business that was not well run, but showed promise. They reconstructed the business from the ground up, growing it from $200 thousand to $7.5 million in sales. He built a sales force that is rated number five in the world for BG products. In short, he's demonstrated management capabilities that establish a level of performance most managers would do well to follow."

Jim with his sister, Marilyn, as a graduate, and with Kathy, who praised his "eternal optimism."

Mac Johnson remembers those high school years, but remembers Jim by his then-nickname, Sam. "He was a long-legged track star. We played football together. He took my job as halfback. I remember we had good time at Virginia Beach."

Marvin Hardesty remembers several great stories about Jim, but especially "that cold December morning on the James River marsh, trying to put duck in the skiff."

Jim's wife Kathy remembers the past, but really appreciates the present. "What a joy for me to begin and end each day with this wonderful man," she says. "On thinking back to our beginning, we knew where we wanted to go and, even though it was not always clear how we would get there, we always knew we would make it. Jim's eternal optimism and determination made every goal a possibility. I treasure all the memories of our incredible journey together. With loving thoughts I remember what he once wrote me, 'Let us grow old together, for the best is yet to come!' I look forward to this with all my heart."

His oldest daughter, Gwyn Sleeper, remembers that "my dad taught me to cook, and he always made it fun, with bananas flambé and writing our initials in whip cream. He also took me on quite a few business trips which made me feel pretty special. He also gave me an initial ring on my 10th birthday that I still wear and will cherish forever because my dad gave it to me. He has also taught me the value of hard work because he does work hard to this day."

His son, Robert Thomas, remembers that his mom and dad "were divorced early on and I started living with mom because I could run the streets. I went to live with my dad and Kathy for a year and got a glimpse of how things should be ... how to live and feel good about yourself. My dad offered me a job in the warehouse in Charlotte. I stayed with him and Kathy for a month and from day one they were teaching me how to be a leader. They gave me opportunities designed to boost my confidence and ability.

"Fifteen years ago I wouldn't have wanted to know me," Robert continues. "Today I can honestly say that because of Dad and Kathy, I thoroughly enjoy all of the responsibilities of being an example in this life. Granted I do plenty of things I shouldn't but I am never confused about who is to blame. Dad is one of the most generous people alive. He is fond of saying 'All we can give a person is an opportunity.' He has made a career of providing opportunities to people and their families and in doing so has changed many lives, most dramatically mine. My dad's lesson of doing things with the greater good in mind probably saved my life."

Jim's daughter, Paige Morgan, feels a special kinship with him. "Like my dad, words sometimes make me feel vulnerable and uncomfortable. But I was always listening to every word Dad said, even when he thought I wasn't, especially during the times we've shared when we didn't always agree. He's always been someone I've looked up to and admired, someone whose opinion has always mattered to me. And it has always been a comfort to know that his advice has been just a phone call away. I thank him for helping me grow into the independent, strongãwilled person that I am today. Dad I want to say, I love you, and I cherish all the memories of our times together."

His son, John Thomas, also recalls lessons he learned from Jim. "One afternoon I had just returned

from a trip of visiting family in Norfolk. I was upset and wanted to go live with my family in Norfolk. After discussing this situation, we made plans to load me on the bus the next morning. Early in the morning we loaded several bags and headed to the bus station. I had a change of mind and heart halfway to the bus station and wanted to stay there and live, but it was 'lesson time.' It would have been too easy to turn around, hug, and move on. Dad made me sweat it out to the last minute. A perfect example of how dad always wanted me to learn something out of each situation ... and often I was able to find his love for me demonstrated. Thank you Dad for teaching me the many, many ways to show love!"

In top photo, Jim's children: Adam, Robert, Gwyn, Paige and John. Extended family above.

Jim's youngest son, Adam Thomas, says what he "admires most about Dad are his morals and unwavering character. He has always been someone I look up to. Whenever faced with a situation, I can ask myself what would he do? He always seems not just to do things right, but to do the right thing. It is because of this that I do truly consider him my role model and mentor.

"I have learned so many things from him, not only personally, but in business," Adam continues. "He always has and still does have a great business mind. Perhaps that's how I knew I wanted to be involved in the business world at an early age. I think one of the things about him that has inspired me most, and that anyone who has ever known him would agree, he has a sense of respect and is truly fair with people. In addition, no matter the situation, he can be intimidating while being unintimidating. Even though he stands 6'4", he always has a calm, coolness about him. Dad, I could never thank you enough for everything you've done for me."

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