2009 Thelma "Pete" Reed Memorial Award: James Thomas (California)

This award is presented to an individual member who has volunteered many hours at the local or state level in conservation projects, educational efforts, community service, or chapter leadership development and is considered an “up and coming” future leader of the Izaak Walton League of America.

James Thomas has been a member of the Orange Chapter for 15 years and has held a variety of chapter offices, including serving on the chapter’s Board of Directors. Thomas has put in hundreds of hours volunteering for chapter conservation programs such as Save Our Streams, fundraisers, and youth programs, and he is always there making sure that everyone is relaxed and having fun. Fellow chapter members report that his motto is, “If you can’t have fun doing these events, why are we here?” Thomas has developed creative ways to keep attendance up at chapter meetings, including door prizes, 50/50 drawings, and a great steak or prime rib dinner with all the fixings. Fellow chapter members are confident that Thomas will continue to further the League’s mission and goals in all chapter events.

Photo: James Thomas (right) accepted his award from IWLA national president Jim Madsen (left) at the 2010 IWLA national convention in Pennsylvania.