Inducted 2008. Totaled 23 Goals and 15 Assists to Earn All-State Honors in Soccer in 1978.
The Quincy Notre Dame boys soccer teams have enjoyed nearly three decades of success, and Jim Thomas played a major part in getting the program off on the right foot.
Thomas, a 1979 graduate, was listed at just 5-foot-6 ½ on the roster, but he was as big as they come on the soccer field. He was a four-year letterman, but he first made a big mark when he scored nine goals and had three assists as a junior when the Raiders went 13-7. Thomas then turned in one of the greatest seasons ever by a Raider, scoring 23 goals and assisting on 13 others during his senior season when QND posted a 25-2 record. His 23 goals ranks sixth on the all-time single-season list of goals in school history, and his 15 assists in a single season ranks fifth. He scored four goals in QND’s 5-1 victory over Quincy High School in the sub-sectional tournament game. Thomas and Gary Koetters were the first all-state players in the history of the soccer program when they were honored in 1978.
Thomas also was a member of the wrestling team, qualifying for the sectional as a sophomore and recording the most takedowns on the team as a senior.
After one year at MacMurray College, Thomas transferred to Quincy College. He scored five goals and recorded six assists as a junior on the 1981 NAIA national champions, then scored 10 goals and had eight assists as a senior in 1982. Thomas received the Quinsippi Soccer Distinguished Alumni Award in 1982.
Thomas and his wife, the former Kris Waterkotte, have been married for 25 years. They have four children — Jessie, Eric, Erin and Hannah. He is a partner in LNI Landmark Novelties in Quincy.
Many memorable thoughts passed through my head when I was contacted about my induction. I look back at all those individuals who played a key role in my life and realize I cannot thank them all. I first must thank my parents, Rollie and Delores Thomas. No matter what game or event they have always been there. Thanks, Mom and Dad. To my brothers and sisters, thanks for your support and love. To all my coaches, teachers, teammates and classmates, I say thanks for the guidance and memories on and off the fields. Thanks to my family — my wife Kris, children Jessie, Eric, Erin and Hannah — for continuing the extraordinary and honored QND traditions.