I served on a jury for the first time in Judge Thomas's courtroom in 1988. I was greatly impressed by his knowledge of the law and his methodical approach, but I was even more taken with his genuine humanity. His clear concern that justice be done with respect and dignity for the attorneys, the accused, the jurors, and the court staff was most impressive, and he was very patient with the twelve of us on the jury, all first-timers. His carefully made comments proved invaluable to us in the jury room when it came to understanding the law. Judge Thomas embodied the best of what we like to believe of our judicial system. Many thanks, Your Honor, for your service to, and care for, our community and its citizens.