Jim Thomas Biography

State Representative Jim Thomas is currently serving his second term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 49th House District, which includes the City of Canton, most of Jackson Township, and a small part of Plain Township in Stark County.

Representative Thomas was a joint-sponsor of the Higher Education Return on Investment Act, which became effective in October 2024.  As loan documents provide a summary page for a home loan, state universities now provide a financial summary page to students and families prior to enrollment.  This legislation provides Ohio institutions with a marketing tool showing the value added by their degrees.

The Representative also sponsored HB 105, which limits the late filing penalty for municipal income tax payments and reduces late return notices from tax authorities.  This legislation was included in the operating budget for fiscal years 2024-2025.

Previously, Representative Thomas served as a member of the Board of Trustees for Jackson Township from 2020-2022.  For twelve years, Representative Thomas has served as President of JT Linwood Company, LLC.  He is a licensed attorney, earning a law degree from Case Western Reserve University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from Stanford University.  

Representative Thomas was a professional tennis player for twelve years.  He earned a career-high doubles ranking of 29th in the world and 3rd in the USA.  He advanced to the 2005 US Open doubles semifinals and has doubles victories against Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Pat Rafter, Andy Roddick, and the Bryan brothers.  He was a member of two NCAA champion teams at Stanford in 1995 and 1996.

Representative Thomas is the youngest of six siblings.  He, his wife Debra, and their children, Lauren and Jac, are parishioners of St. Michael Catholic Church in Canton.