James Anthony Thomas

A friend to all, James Anthony Thomas departed this earthly life on September 5, 2023 at the age of 63. He returns to the loving embrace of his parents and younger brother in Heaven after experiencing complications while awaiting a liver transplant. James was a long time resident of the San Diego/ Imperial Beach area. He was a member of the first three-year class to graduate from Southwest High School in 1979. Later he attended and attended the University of California San Diego, where he had studied theology. He was a very proud conservative and Trump supporter.

James was born to US Navy Chief Petty Officer Robert West Thomas and US Air force Staff Sergeant LaDonna Catherine Thomas (Brown) in Jacksonville Florida. Eventually, his family settled in San Diego. James was involved in many extracurricular activities throughout his life. Growing up he was an altar boy at St Charles Church in San Diego. He played youth soccer, Little League Baseball, and ran cross country in middle school. While in high school, he played football, ran cross country and track, and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.

James discovered a love of cooking at a very early age. He cooked for his Boy Scout troop, his family and at The Hungry Hunter. He had various employments like working at The Coronado Shores where he met Orville Redenbacher. He worked at many Home Depots for many years and had Orkin Pest Control on his resume as well.

James enjoyed helping others. Bell ringing for the Salvation Army, volunteering at his kids’ schools, and the local food bank were some of the places he volunteered. James favorite role in life was being a father, aka Apa, aka Mango. He cherished his children. He was always there to love, support, guide and encourage them. James enjoyed being the center of attention and loved for people to laugh with him and not at him, as he would say. He had a great ability to make others smile. His sense of humor, his delicious cooking, his loud voice and smile, but most of all his presence will be so very greatly missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife, 6 children, granddaughter, brothers, sister, nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visitation will be held at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary on Thursday October 12, 23 from 5-9pm. Funeral services will be on Friday October 13, 23 at 10am at St. Charles Catholic Church, following the burial service at Glen Abbey Memorial Park and Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the James Thomas Go Fund Me page https://gofund.me/29dc4a32.

The family wishes to acknowledge with deep appreciation the many expressions of love, concern and kindness shown to them during this time of bereavement. God Bless you and keep you always. Thomas Family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.glenabbeysandiego.net for the Thomas family.