James R. and Clara C. Thomas are the third couple to be honored by induction into the Hall of Fame.

James was the president and CEO of Carbon Industries from 1953 to 1983. He served on the Board of Directors of One Valley Bank, NA, Columbia Energy, Inc. and Shoney's, Inc.

James graduated from Culver Military Academy and served in the US Army from 1944 -1946 in the 13th and 82nd Airborne Divisions. He later graduated with an A.B. degree from Cornell University.

Clara received an A.S. in Business at Marshall University, a BS in Business at the University of Charleston, an AB in Economics at the University of Charleston and a M.B.A. in Business at the West Virginia Graduate College.

James and Clara were both awarded the honorary doctor of laws from the West Virginia Graduate College. James was also awarded an honorary doctor of laws from West Virginia Wesleyan College.