James Thomas' Obituary
Alpha: August 16, 1949 Omega: January 19, 2021
James Thomas was born on August 16, 1949 in Killona, LA to Rueben Williams and
Gracie M. Thomas. James was an infant when his mother died. He was raised by his
loving grandmother Lucinda Singleton Thomas (Mame) and Aunt Milie Mae Thomas in
Killona, LA.
He was baptized by John B. Davis Jr. at Children of Israel Baptist Church in Killona, LA.
At the early age of 16, James was accepted into Job Corp and traveled to Seattle,
Washington where he furthered his education and obtained career and technical skills.
He later returned home and married Patricia Lewis Downing. Through this union they
had three children Rechell Thomas Pierre (Charles), Patrick James Thomas, and Re’Shawn
Thomas Rayford (Glen).
He was a member of the National Buffalo Soldiers, Masonic Lodge, Elks Lodge Clementine McDuff #598 and Local 60 Union. He was honored with an "Officer of The
Year Award" from the Elks Lodge. In addition, James worked to improve his community,
volunteering with the March of Dimes.
James was a “Classic Man”. He possessed confidence, style, and charisma. Qualities
that can't be taught, you just have to be born with it. He enjoyed traveling, fishing,
family functions, and swapping stories over a good meal with friends. He was the kind of
man that believed, to be ontime was to be late. James was a hard worker and an early
riser. He demonstrated this throughout his personal and work career.
James was a master welder. He worked for private companies and the US government.
His work took him across states and even continents. He shared stories of his time
working in Japan, from the bizarre foods and the tiny rooms. But no matter how far he
traveled, he would tell you the best part of the experience was being able to return
home.
Semi-retired he started working for Greenwood Memorial Park Mortuary in San Diego,
CA. as a Funeral Director. He brought compassion, dignity, and respect to each family
he serviced. James received numerous awards recognizing his work. The Greenwood
community became more than just his employment, they became his extended family.
James loved his children and they loved him deeply. If their love alone was enough to
keep him here, he would have been here forever. On January 19th, at Sharp Memorial
Hospital in San Diego he was called; to be away from the body and at home with the
Lord.
He was a father to Enjeil M. Louper (George), A’Janae Mizell, and Natasha Sanders
and the Godfather to Danell Dallon. He was the brother of Lillian Thomas Alexander and
step-brother of Leroy Williams (Laura), James was preceded in death by his parents
Gracie Marie Thomas and Rueben Williams, step-sister Rechell Williams, step-brother
Gregory Williams, and cousin Joseph Davis Jr.
James memory will be forever cherished by his children, grandchildren,
great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Memories of Dad
We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.
Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.
Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still.
There will always be a heartache, and often a silent tear.
But always a precious memory of the days when you were here.
If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane,
We’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.
We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same,
But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. James will be laid to rest in his home state of Louisiana.
What’s your fondest memory of James?
What’s a lesson you learned from James?
Share a story where James' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with James you’ll never forget.
How did James make you smile?