James Rodney Thomas

James “Rodney” Thomas died peacefully on Sunday, February 7, 2016, at the age of 92 while at home in Brandon, MS, surrounded by his immediate family. He succumbed to a progressive illness over the past few months. Rodney had a long and well lived life. Rodney is survived by his wife, Janette, and daughter, Rhonda Thomas of River Ridge, La.; niece, Connie Reinhardt (Roger) and nephew, Gary Gray (Jackson area); grandchildren: Michael, Julie, and Steven Thomas, and daughter-in-law, Peggy Thomas, (Atlanta area); and by step-daughter, Pam McKay (Larry) of Brandon and their children, Larry McKay, Jr. (Jennifer), Brandi Ford (Jody), and Kimberly McKay. Rodney was preceded in death by his son, Jody Thomas, his parents, Guy and Erma Thomas of Madden, MS; his sister, Kathryn Gray of Jackson, MS; and his prior wives, Virginia, Audrey, and Lucie. Rodney has many cousins in Mississippi and elsewhere from the Hardage, Odem, and Thomas families of Central Mississippi - Neshoba County.

Rodney was born on October 4, 1923 in Madden, and graduated high school in 1941. While growing up, he helped his dad with the crops and animals, and they hunted and fished for fun. He joined the US Navy after graduation in May; and on December 7, 1941, he was an electrician’s mate on the battleship California, docked at Ford Island, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii when it was attacked by air forces of Japan. He was injured in that attack, and once he recovered, he continued to serve in the Navy until discharged after WWII ended. He then attended Mississippi State University, and was recruited to join Grain Dealers Mutual Insurance Company of Indiana as a Special Agent, serving three states He was with Grain Dealers until 1961, when he left to open his own independent insurance agency in Columbia, MS, while owning a small cattle and quarter horse farm in Sumrall, MS. During those farm years, horses were his passion and he rode/showed cutting horses at many horse shows in Mississippi and Alabama.

After Hurricane Camille caused so much destruction to south Mississippi in August 1968, continuing as an independent agent in Columbia was exceptionally difficult. Over the following 25 years, he engaged in different businesses: short and long haul trucking, a convenience service store, and auto parts sales. After he retired, he lived in Mobile, Ala for a few years, followed by his moving to the Mill Creek neighborhood near the Barnett Reservoir, in 1993. Shortly after moving to Mill Creek, he met and married Janette. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, they traveled in their RV far and wide all over the United States and Canada. They then settled down at home, where he enjoyed a quiet life for the past 10 years or so.

A funeral is scheduled for 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 at Lakewood Funeral Home Chapel, Clinton Blvd; with visitation to start at 12 noon. Burial is to follow at Lakewood Memorial Park. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Rodney’s life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.