US Army (1964 – 1966)
Born during a WWII evening practice raid, green shades drawn, making his presence in total darkness, save a flashlight held by a nurse on Saturday, July 18, 4942 in Montour County, Pennsylvania. Tom was the second son of Sebastian and Loretta James.
Baptized and Confirmed at Saint Edwards Catholic Church in Shamokin, PA. He attended Saint Edwards Primary School and earned his education from the Immaculate Heart of Mary (IHM) Nuns.
The senior class of 1960 were the first students to receive their diplomas from the newly built Our Lady of Lourdes High School. Tom was the drummer of the group Robin and the Red Vests in the 1950’s and early 1960’s.
While attending college at Mount Saint Mary’s in Emmitsburg, Maryland, his draft number came up in 1964. He answered the call serving as a Military Policeman at Fort Sam Houston in Texas earning his Sharpshooter Badge (Rifle), and Marksman Badge (Pistol .45). Tom was honorably discharged at the end of March 1966. At which time he returned to Mount Saint Mary’s to complete his college education, graduating in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics.
Tom became a professional salesman and accepted a position with Herff Jones Yearbooks out of the Gettysburg, PA plant. Showing much success, Hu offered him a position as Area Manager, and then Northeast Regional Manager. It was during this reign he met his soon to be wife, Marilyn Flugum.
The Midwest was calling Marilyn home, so Tom accepted the Plant Manager position in Marceline, Missouri, which he remained at until his retirement in December of 2010, ending a 35 year career with Hu.
While his professional life undoubtedly displayed the marks of a consummate businessman, Tom concludes the most profound act of his life has been a good provider for his family.