Background
Thomas, James William was born on February 14, 1940 in Yakutat, Alaska, United States. Son of William S. and Mary (Kardeetoo) Thomas.
Thomas, James William was born on February 14, 1940 in Yakutat, Alaska, United States. Son of William S. and Mary (Kardeetoo) Thomas.
Student, Hope College, Holland, Michigan, 1959—1963.
Proprietor St. Elias Courts Motel, Yakutat, 1964—1965. Commercial fisherman, 1964—1965. General manager Northern Lights Broadcasting Corporation, Cordova, Alaska, 1966—1968.
Director, public relations Alaska Federation Natives, Anchorage, 1969. Director, public relations & contracts officer National Congress American Indians, Washington, 1970. Special advisor, public affairs Office of Vice President of United States, 1971.
Public relations consultant, various Indian nations, 1972—1982. President Jim Thomas Associates, Bellingham, Washington, since 1982. Vice president & Chief Executive Officer Minnetonka Multistate Inc., Hopkins, Minnesota.
President Diamond Seas Finance Enterprises. Owner & partner, commercial fishing vessel. Seafood broker; chairman board Bigtime Bingo Inc., Carson City, Nevada.
Instrumental in restoration Mount Adams to Yakima Indian Nation, 1972.
President Center Management Studies. Touring judge, cities and states Miss American Pageants. Democratic precinct captain National Cranston for President.
Representative district chairman Alaska, 1965. Board directors Alaska Federation Natives, 1968—1969. Chancellor Lummi College Fisheries, 1982.
Member of American Association for the Advancement of Science, Cordova Chamber of Commerce, National Indian Media Association, National Congress American Indians, Tlingit and Haida Indians Alaska (secretary, central council), Alaska Native Brotherhood, National Speakers Forum, Association College President's, American Indian Higher Education Consortium, Cordova Junior Chamber of Commerce, National Press Club, Lions Lodge.