James V. Thomas ’58

James V. Thomas ’58, of Middleborough, Mass.; May 25. In addition to Brown, he attended the Aetna Insurance School in Hartford, Conn., and Northeast Broadcast School in Boston. After his military service, he was honorably discharged in 1962 and for many years worked as a licensed broker in the insurance agency established by his father. He also worked as a machine operator for Ocean Spray and a shipper/receiver for Talbots. He was active in his community and served in several elected positions during his lifetime, including deacon of Central Congregational Church and two terms as town moderator. In the late 1970s, he cofounded and published The Nemasket River Journal, whose opinion pages espoused his beliefs of a free press, the power of the individual, transparency, and accountability. He was an accomplished bridge player who attained a Life Master designation from the American Contract Bridge League. He also enjoyed reading and sports, was an aficionado of the Great American Songbook, and was an amateur musician who participated in local musical reviews. He was the original bass drummer for the Middleborough Chowder & Marching Society. He is survived by his wife, Priscilla; a daughter and son-in-law; two sons; a daughter-in-law; three grandchildren; a sister; and nieces and nephews.