Obituary of James "Skip" M. Thomas

James “Skip” Michael Thomas, 78, of Glastonbury, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2025, with his family by his side.

Born in Hartford, CT on April 17, 1947, he was the son of the late Elizabeth (Donovan) and Frank Thomas. Besides his parents he was predeceased by his brothers John DiLorenzo and David Thomas, sister Nancy Ricci, and stepfathers Carl DiLorenzo and Parker Searle. Skip grew up in Glastonbury and remained a lifelong resident.

He leaves his loving wife who he adored for 54 years, Jane Chapman Thomas and his devoted daughters Joanne (Brad) Wheatley and Jenna (Christopher) Amirault.  He was the proud grandfather of Tyler and Hayley Wheatley, and James and Kyle Amirault. He also leaves his brothers Brian and Carl DiLorenzo and sisters Diedre Blitz and Jennifer Talbott and many members of the Chapman family.

Skip was a scholar through and through. After graduating from East Catholic High School in 1965, he went on to study at St. Louis University, graduating in 1969. He graduated with a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from University of New Haven in 1974. He was a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy in 1976. He had a successful career in law enforcement. He was the first full time Youth Officer in Glastonbury. He quickly rose to the rank of Lieutenant. In 1985 he became Chief of Police in Vernon, CT. There he helped form the Tri-Town Narcotic Task Force (South Windsor, Manchester and Vernon). He returned to Glastonbury as Chief in 1987 where he stayed until his retirement in 1999. The Glastonbury Police Department remained a constant in his life. Every Monday for the past few years, he was in a coffee klatch with many of his former co-workers and dear friends. As Chief in Glastonbury, he started The Citizen Police Academy. He was also President of Capitol Region and Connecticut Police Chiefs Association. He was nominated to attend the FBI Executive Leadership Program (one of 30 chiefs chosen in the United States). Skip was a driving force in The Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial project beginning in 1985. He worked to raise the funds for the architectural plans that led to its construction and dedication in 1989.

Following his retirement from the Glastonbury Police, he became the Director of Justice Planning for State of Connecticut. He was then appointed by Governor Rell as the Commissioner of Department of Emergency Management & Homeland Security for the State of Connecticut. He was later appointed Commissioner of the Connecticut State Police. There he found a brotherhood with the Connecticut State Police that remained strong until his last days. The culmination of his career was the Managing Director of The Hundred Club of Connecticut, where he helped care for the family members of fallen first responders. There he worked directly with their survivors. He made many friendships and was grateful to all the men and women he met while working at The Hundred Club.

Skip was an active member at SS. Isidore and Maria Parish, currently serving on the Finance Council.

Skip loved his family and thoroughly enjoyed every summer at the cottage in Westerly, RI.  His grandchildren were the light of his life and he loved watching them grow up on the beach in Westerly.  He loved traveling with his wife Jane. They were able to go to Italy, Ireland, St. John, USVI, and many other places in the Caribbean-many of those trips with the best of friends.  They also took many trips to the Bahamas and Disney with his daughters and their families.

In his life he received many honors. A distinguished award he cherished was the Saint Edmund’s Medal of Honor at Enders Island. Also in 2024, Skip was inducted to the East Catholic Hall of Fame.

Skip will be remembered for many wonderful different things but most importantly for helping others and treating everyone with respect, a legacy he has passed on to his children and grandchildren and everyone who knew him.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10:00 am at SS. Isidore and Maria Parish, 2577 Main St., Glastonbury. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery. Friends may call on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Ave., Glastonbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to: The Hundred Club of Connecticut, 119 Oakwood Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033 or to The Connecticut Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation: The Connecticut Police Chiefs Law Memorial Foundation (CLEM), PO Box 4082, Meriden, CT 06451. For online condolences, please visit www.mulryanfh.com.