Document Type
Finding Aid
Publication Date
8-16-2021
Inclusive Dates--Span
1930-2004
Inclusive Dates--Bulk
1940-1990
Scope and Content Note
These papers document Dr. James David “J. D.” Thomas’ research, teaching, and preaching careers. The papers are arranged in six series.
Biographical Note
The following biographical note is excerpted from a February 16, 2004 ACU press release:
“Dr. James David Thomas of Abilene, former chair of the Bible Department at Abilene Christian University, died Feb. 16 in Abilene at the age of 93.
The funeral service is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at the University Church of Christ in Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park's "Garden of the Gospels." Visitation will be at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Feb. 17 from 5-7 p.m.
A 1943 graduate of Abilene Christian, Thomas also received a M.A. from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Thomas served as assistant city manager of Lubbock from 1939-42 and as a minister at the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago from 1945-49.
In 1949, Thomas began his 33-year career in the ACU Bible Department. While at ACU, he directed the annual Bible Lectureship for 18 years and coordinated the Elders Workshop. In 1981, he originated the Christian Scholars Conference, which was conducted at ACU until 1990. He was chair of the department from 1970-79.
Thomas was a member of the corporation board of Restoration Quarterly and was a staff writer for 20th Century Christian. He was a prolific writer of books and articles. He was listed in Outstanding Educators of America, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Who's Who in Religion and Who's Who in America. In 1989, the Kiwanis Club of Abilene named Thomas "Kiwanian of the Year."
Survivors include his children: John Paul and Cindy Thomas, Hannah and Dwayne Kissick; his grandchildren: Sammy Fish, Lucky and Tammy Fish, Christian and Edith Kissick, Packy and Andrea Kissick, Lindsay and Kyle Watson, Scott and Shawna Thomas, Todd Thomas, Shelley and Chris Chorn, Matt Connally, Mark and Lindi Connally; his great-grandchildren: Jessica Nicholle and Kirstie Dawn Fish, Lawrence Scott and Samantha Angel Fish, Riley Blake Whisenhunt-Kissick and Colton Patrick Kissick, Hannah Ashlynn Norrell-Watson and Jakeb Aaron Watson, Ryan Hunter and Tana Jo Thomas, Alyson Cherie and Austin Paul Thomas, Courtney Paige and Luke Christopher Chorn, Matthew Corbin and Abigail Brinley Connally. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Grace Thomas and Lena Belle Thomas, and several nieces and nephews.”
Donor Note
John Thomas
Arrangement
The materials are arranged into six series:
Series I: Correspondence
Series II: Research and Writing
Subseries A: Tobit
Subseries B: Articles by James David Thomas
Subseries C: Topical FIles
Series III: Abilene Christian College/Abilene Christian University
Subseries A: Classes
Subseries B: General university materials
Series IV: Church, community, and organizations
Subseries A: Churches
Subseries B: Sermons and presentations
Subseries C: Publications and presses
Subseries D: Print materials
Series V: Photographs and audio materials
Series VI: Award and artifacts
Content List
See PDF finding aid for box and folder listing.
Language
ENGLISH
Extent of Collection
10.5 linear feet (19 boxes)
Manuscript Number
Center for Restoration Studies Manuscripts #520
Physical Location
Center for Restoration Studies
Preferred Citation
[identification of item], [file or folder name], Dr. James David “J. D.” Thomas Papers, 1930-2004. Center for Restoration Studies MS #520. Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives, Brown Library. Abilene Christian University, Abilene, TX.
Use Restrictions
Open to researchers. Contact Abilene Christian University Special Collections and Archives to make an appointment.
Processing Status
Processed
Finding Aid created by
Amanda Dietz ands Mac Ice
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Comments
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