James R. Thomas was born Dec. 26, 1948, in Du Quoin, IL to Wilbur M. Thomas and Ollie Jones Thomas. He passed away Nov 12, 2013 at John Cochran VA Medical Center in St. Louis, MO. Jim was a Vietnam Veteran, having served in the Army. He is survived by his wife, Karen Thomas, who he married March 15, 1993. Jim is also survived by two stepchildren, Cynthia (Johnny) Sandoval of Phoenix, AZ and Douglas Miller of Colorado Springs, CO, plus five step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.

He is also survived by three brothers, Wilbur Thomas, Roger (Bobbie) Thomas, Lonnie (Marty) Thomas, seven sisters, Myrtle (Ron) Shrum, Clara Mae (Les) Heflin, Susie (Bryce) Richman, Judy (Vaughn) Motsinger, Shirley (Steve) Mossa, Sherry (Bill) Colston, Pattie (Darren) Martens, plus many nieces and nephews. His parents and a brother, Dean Thomas, preceded him in death.

Services: A Time of Remembrance will be held at 11am Saturday, November 16th at Oakgrove Baptist Church, Pinckneyville, IL.

Internment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, Missouri will be at a later date.