Arthur W. Thomas, Jr. was born on February 13, 1949, in Jersey City, NJ to the late Josephine M. Thomas and Arthur W. Thomas, Sr. Affectionately called “Huck”, he had an infectious personality and provided nuggets of wisdom to all who were blessed by his charismatic presence. He lit up every
room he entered. Arthur went home to be with The Lord on February 26, 2021, in the arms of his wonderful and loving wife Linda Thomas. He lived and transitioned courageously.
Arthur was raised with four sisters and his mother in Jersey City on 154 Union St. This was formative to his protective disposition and understanding of women. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1967 and was an excellent student-athlete: playing varsity basketball all four years. Ever the poet, he was later known for saying, “Basketball was my other woman.” He accepted a scholarship to Morgan State University, where he continued the drive he learned on the court, but decided to come home during his freshman year to support his family. Still, determined to finish college, Arthur transferred to Jersey City State College (now New Jersey City University) where he became president of the Black Student Union, a leader of the African Dance Company, and a founding member of the Epsilon chapter of Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Incorporated. Arthur graduated in 1971 with a Bachelor’s in Economics.
Always the life of the party, Arthur absolutely loved to dance. His siblings recall him dancing down the street bopping his head from side-to-side. Everyone who saw him groove admired his finesse. Arthur’s personality and individual style was evident in his footwork – his love for music and culture, flamboyance, swagger, spontaneity, sense of humor, and his way with people.
In adulthood, Arthur grew in his personal relationship with Christ. He attended many churches throughout his life and found a home worshipping at Christ Church in Montclair, NJ. Arthur found an aspect of Christian faith that resonated with his own moral compass and spiritual curiosity. He was too sharp not to imagine an existence in a heavenly realm, and on any given day something about gospel music would stir his soul and evoke an emotional response.
While his spirit was nourished by faith, Arthur’s heart was dedicated to the family: his wife Linda and his children Arthur III, Solomon, and Chad. Linda was his soulmate and his queen. Their partnership was forged by deep mutual respect, passion, intellectual stimulation, romance, shared values, and undying support of each other’s dreams. Anyone in their presence felt their love, and how often they tried to put each other first. They frequently remarked, “We never go to bed mad at each other.”
Arthur was prolific in whatever industry he undertook. A captain of trade and gifted salesman, he could sell a ketchup popsicle to a woman in white gloves. His love of learning and high standard of communication inspired many throughout his myriad of organizational experiences. He was often tapped by leadership to lend his unique insight and solutions. From shining shoes as a young man to managing real estate investments as an adult, Arthur showed a flair for entrepreneurship and was keen on self-reliance. Additionally, as a team player, he was often leading the charge, motivating others to be the best and expect the best from their peers.
Arthur relished socializing and was truly a savant at cultivating relationships. Connecting with people was his life’s work, not just for business but for the betterment of his world. He was one of the founders of “First Fridays”: at the time, a social imperative for the “in-crowd” of his greater Newark community. His appreciation for arts, cinema and music was channeled as the Executive Director of Newark Symphony Hall. Not shy of civic duty, he also worked as Commissioner of the Newark Parking Authority.
Though he never held political office, everywhere he went, he became “the mayor”. He enjoyed quality time with his wife, family vacations, and exquisite dining experiences with his friends. Like his siblings and seemingly all who bear the Thomas name, food was a passion. It was one of his favorite ways of expressing his love. From the ingredients he cooked with, to the cut of his suits, he paid great attention to the details and expertly provided nourishment for the people he cared for. He was enamored with the provision and preparation of a culinary bounty. He was taught to fish by his father- in-law and cherished the bonding experience that occurs with the ritual. He would take his sons and male friends on many fishing trips. As a man blessed with only sisters, this was one of Arthur’s ways of celebrating the unique connection between men.
Having been born the only male heir to a father that passed on when he was very young, perhaps it was serendipitous that Linda bore him only sons. Linda and Arthur shared a philosophy of family, faith, and education that would ground the rearing of their children. If you talked to Arthur for five minutes, you knew about his queen, his children, and their accomplishments. The Thomas principles were evident in the men they became and witnessed by others.
His pride and joy lived and will remain in the fruit of the union between him and his wife. It was certainly a blessing for him that he was able to look into the eyes of his grandson Jonah before the sunset of his life. Many fathers draw a circle around themselves proportionate to the love they have to offer. However, Arthur’s circle stretched beyond the horizon and many of the people touched by his presence looked up to him as the father they never had or the father they needed. He possessed a lightning- quick wit, provided wisdom instinctively, and honored those who would listen by believing in them when they needed that encouragement the most.
Arthur’s stance on education was deeply rooted. Education was more than just learning, memorization, and regurgitation. It was a ticket to prosperity, freedom, and the intellectual development that contributes to mental fortitude. Arthur clearly saw education as a worthy investment that yielded a legacy for his loved ones beyond monetary value. Empowered by this principle, his sons excelled academically and attended some of the premier institutions in the world. “…Teach a man how to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.”
Arthur is predeceased by his parents Arthur W. Thomas, Sr. and Josephine Thomas, and sisters Flugee Thomas, Dorothy Whaley, and Josephine Thomas. Arthur is survived and remembered by his beloved wife Linda Thomas, Arthur W. Thomas III (Jennifer), Solomon Thomas, Chad Thomas (Lauren), grandson Jonah Thomas, and sister Katherine Russell. Arthur is also survived by a vast number of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and nephews, great-grand nieces and nephews, and friends that cherish his memory.
Arthur’s love of education was a gift he shared with many, including his queen, Linda Thomas, and his sons. He firmly believed in nurturing intellectual curiosity and cultivating critical thinking – and that a quality education opened a pathway to greater economic opportunity. We invite you to honor his unwavering commitment to promoting education by contributing to a scholarship in his
honor.
The Arthur W. Thomas Jr. Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for Black youth in Newark and Jersey City planning to attend boarding schools and/or college.
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