2025 Wall of Fame and Athletics Hall of Fame inductees
Join us in celebrating excellence as we proudly announce the newest members of the Joshua ISD Wall of Fame and Athletic Hall of Fame!
Our Wall of Fame inductees are Major Thomas Franklin, Class of 2011, and Dr. James Thomas, Class of 1972. The Athletic Hall of Fame honorees are Traci Holley Bransom, Class of 1986, and the 1968 Football Team. The 2025 inductees will be honored prior to Friday’s Homecoming football game.
Major Thomas Franklin
Major Thomas Franklin, a 2011 graduate of Joshua High School, distinguished himself early as Commanding Officer of the NJROTC unit and Captain of the school’s nationally recognized Rifle Team. He earned the prestigious Legion of Valor’s Bronze Cross for Achievement, awarded to only 50 cadets nationwide each year. Following high school, he attended the New Mexico Military Institute Preparatory Program before earning a full Marine Corps ROTC scholarship to Texas A&M University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in history in 2015. Commissioning into the United States Marine Corps, Franklin built a remarkable career, later earning an MBA from Western Governors University in 2022. By age 30, he had already attained the rank of Major. He has served as an AH-1Z Attack Helicopter Commander, Night Systems Instructor, and graduate of several elite military programs, including the Marine Corps Basic School, Amphibious Warfare School, and Naval Flight Training. A recipient of the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Franklin now serves as a flight instructor in Milton, Florida, training the next generation of Marine aviators. Joshua ISD is proud to recognize Major Thomas Franklin as a 2025 Wall of Fame Inductee for his outstanding achievements and service.
Dr. James Thomas
Dr. James Thomas, PhD, a 1972 graduate of Joshua High School, has built a distinguished career as a scientist and executive in the biotechnology industry. After graduation, Thomas pursued higher education with determination, earning a B.S. and M.S. in Nutritional Science from Texas Tech University, a Ph.D. in Nutritional Biochemistry from Purdue University, and a Research Fellowship at MIT in Cell Physiology. His career spanned leadership roles at Genentech, Immunex, and Amgen, where he helped develop more than 15 commercial biotech drugs, including the groundbreaking Enbrel™, the first successful treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. He later founded and served as President and CEO of Just Biotherapeutics and as EVP Global Head of Biotherapeutics at Just Evotec Biologics, leading international innovation in drug development and manufacturing. Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Thomas has served as a church leader, participated in global missions in Africa, and engaged in philanthropic support for causes ranging from cancer research to humanitarian aid. His lifelong dedication to science, leadership, and service continues to leave a lasting impact on both his industry and community. Joshua ISD is proud to recognize Dr. James Thomas, PhD, as a 2025 Wall of Fame Inductee.
Traci Holley Bransom
Traci is a 1986 graduate of Joshua High School. While at JHS, Traci was a three-sport letterman in golf, volleyball and basketball. In 1984 and 1985 she helped lead her golf team to two regional appearances and the team was crowned District Champions in 1985. In volleyball, she was named to the 2nd All-District Team in 1985 and honorable mention for the 1985-1986 basketball season. Following high school, Traci went on to play softball for Hill College in 1986 and transferred to William Woods University where she finished her softball career. In 1995, Traci started the softball program at Joshua High School where she served as the head coach for 27 years. During her tenure, she had over 500 wins which included, 18 playoff appearances, 15 Bi-District Titles, two Regional Quarterfinals, and one Regional Semi-Final appearance. Beyond the wins and playoff runs, she was also elected Coach-of-the-Year four different times as the Joshua High School softball coach. Traci Bransom spent her entire career serving Joshua ISD and the community. She is now retired, but has left a legacy that will forever remain with the Joshua Softball Program.
1968 Owls Football Team
The 2025 athletic hall of fame team is the Joshua High School 1968 football team. The 1968 Joshua Owls football team finished as the District Co-Champions with a record of 3-1 in District 14-A. Prior to 1982, the University Interscholastic League only allowed one team from each District to advance to the playoffs. Finishing District play in a tie for the District Championship, the 1968 Owls lost the tiebreaker to Crowley 41-20 that would have allowed them to advance into the State Playoffs. Under the direction of Head Coach David Frank, the 1968 team was a catalyst for one of the most successful three year runs in Joshua High School football history. The 1968 football team was the last team to play on the football field that was located at Staples Elementary.