The Dedication Ceremony of Jim Thomas Street

1700 Thomas St. is JIM the known street address of THOMAS Sierra High School in Manteca. Though, as it turns out, only a few knew that ‘Thomas’ in Thomas St. was named after Jim Thomas, Sr. (1924-2018).

As Sierra High School principal Steve Clark chronicled the events that led up to the official naming and dedication ceremony of Jim Thomas Street held on November 25, he explained that it all started one morning in May when he opened the Manteca Bulletin to find an article titled, “Manteca May Re-Name Streets Buffalo Way, Timberwolf Way. ”

Clark knew he immediately had to intervene.

Sierra High Principal Steve Clark giving a speech at the dedication ceremony.

The Bulletin article credits the initiative to Manteca Councilman Gary Singh, “Singh believes a fitting touch to mark Manteca High’s 100th anniversary year and Sierra High’s 25th year is to put the two campuses on the map. ” And, whatever costs associated with the renaming project, Singh would raise the money.

Unbeknownst to Singh or other City of Manteca council members, Timberwolf loyalists had a deep connection with Thomas Street.

Clark and Singh soon partnered together to initiate an honorary renaming of Thomas St. to Jim Thomas St.

In his speech, Singh explained that this honorary dedication, in part, is so no other councilmembers in future generations attempt to rename the street. “Now, this street will forever be known as Jim Thomas Street, ” stated Singh.

Other speakers at the dedication ceremony included Jim Thomas, Jr., John Thomas, Board Trustee Stephen Schluer, Board President Bob Wallace, and Manteca Mayor Ben Cantu.

The Thomas Family

Jim Thomas, Jr. (son) and John Thomas (grandson) shared personal memories of their father and grandfather. Jim Thomas, Sr. has seven grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren who have graduated from Sierra and are very proud their high school is on Thomas St., in honor of their grandfather.

Board President Bob Wallace also shared heartfelt memories and spoke of his legacy in MUSD. Mr. Thomas was integral in securing state funding for Sierra High construction (among other schools) as well as his commitment as a teacher (1959-63), Assistant Superintendent (1973-83), and Superintendent (1983-86) of Manteca Unified.

Principal Steve Clark admired the courage of Mr. Thomas, who served in World War II and as a U.S. Navy Lieutenant, and others from his generations who have survived eras such as the great depression or cold war. Clark also thanked Singh and the council for the tremendous opportunity and partnership.

City of Manteca, Sierra High School, and Manteca Unified School District are honored to celebrate the legacy and lifework of Jim Thomas, alongside his family, which will kindle a strong sense of community for generations to come.

The Thomas family gifted Sierra High school a plaque commemorating the significance of Jim Thomas Street.