February 23, 2024 
Congratulations to SS. Isidore and Maria parishioner James “Skip” Thomas on his induction to the East Catholic High School Hall of Fame.
Skip is a lifelong Glastonbury resident who was baptized at St. Paul Church and has spent his life serving his community. He graduated from East Catholic High School in 1965.
“Attending East Catholic was, without a doubt, one of the best experiences of my life,” Skip said. “The culture at East Catholic was just what I needed. There was a very strong commitment to discipline, academics, sports, and spirituality.”
After college, Skip joined the Glastonbury Police Department in 1968, serving as a detective, sergeant, lieutenant, training officer, and aide to the chief. In 1985, he became Vernon’s Chief of Police. Under his leadership in Vernon, he established that department’s first Citizens’ Police Academy, the Special Olympics Torch Run, and the Tri-Town Narcotics Task Force. In 1987, Skip returned to Glastonbury as the Chief of Police. East Catholic High School’s founding principal, Father Charles Shaw, gave the benediction at his swearing-in.
Upon his retirement from the Glastonbury Police Department in 1998, Skip worked in several capacities for the State of Connecticut, including as the first commissioner of Emergency and Management and Homeland Security and as the commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
Skip has served as a faith formation instructor, eucharistic minister, parish council president, and parish trustee at St. Dunstan Church. He is currently on the Finance Council at SS. Isidore and Maria Parish.
Skip and his wife, Jane Chapman, were married at St. Paul Church and are the parents of Joanne (Brad Wheatly) and Jenna (Christopher Amirault) and the grandparents of Tyler, Haley, James, and Kyle.
East Catholic High School established its Hall of Fame in 1992 to recognize individuals and businesses who have made significant contributions to the school and the community. 2024 marks the seventeenth year of inductions. This year’s induction ceremony takes place on Sun., Mar. 3, at East Catholic High School beginning at 1:30 p.m. Click here for more information or tickets,
