James Thomas

James was born on June 25, 1947 in Houston, TX to Robert and Dora Thomas. He attended Kashmere High School and as a gifted singer he became a member of the Glee Club. Soon after, he served in the military and ranked as an army sergeant and spent time overseas while he served. Shortly after, he attended San Jacinto College and studied to become a machinist. He later married, and from this union was born James Thomas, Jr. (deceased) and Luchiana Thomas. Through the years, he faithfully served God at First Shiloh Baptist Church in the mass choir, male chorus, as a Sunday school Bible teacher, and as a missions Bible class teacher. Intermittently, he studied criminal justice at San Jacinto College and served as a volunteer Harris County Constable as a deputy in the warrant and ticket division. He really loved working as a bailiff and saying “all rise, please stand for the honorable judge.”

James retired after 47 years of service as a machinist with the railroad, occasionally traveling to various states serving as a CPR instructor.

As an outdoorsman and family man, James enjoyed family gatherings, hunting, boating, fishing, camping, dominoes, board games, and bowling with his two children and extended family. He thoroughly enjoyed classic television and would sit and enjoy a good western and cowboy film at his leisure. He especially enjoyed art and photography, and eagerly sought the best opportunity to take candid photos to capture memorable moments. Prior to God calling him home, he resumed sketching and pastel artwork and planned to complete a few art portraits. James was known for His love of Scriptures, being a Dallas Cowboys fan, his kind, outgoing, and hospitable personality, and his love for singing.

James was preceded in death by his father and mother, Robert and Dora Thomas; his son, James Thomas, Jr.; his sister Bessie Thomas; his brother, Clyde Thomas; and his nephew Kenneth. He is survived by his daughter Luchiana Thomas; his sister Dorothy (Barrion Ellis) Carter; Joyce (James) Toliver; brother, Larry (Benita) Thomas; aunt, Mattie Steelly (Lee) and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and other relatives and friends.