James William Thomas Jr.

James W. Thomas Jr. was born on July 4, 1939 in Youngstown, Ohio to James W. Thomas Sr. and Janie Mae Reid. James was affectionately known as aka" Willie, Bro,Thomas, Jim and Bill". James went to Grant Elementary and graduated from South High School in Youngstown, Ohio. While in high school James was a member of the Hytones singing group which included childhood friends Ronnie Ward, Bill "Billboy" Wilson, Sylvia Wilson, and Barbara Lewis. He attended several colleges and majored in Business. While James was in the US Air force he met and married Joelle Fletcher who proceeded him in death. From this union three children were born, Lisa, Leslie & LaShawna. James worked as a foreman for General Motors in Warren , Ohio and retired from the USPS in Kansas City Mo. He loved to host large gatherings, barbecue, play Pinochle, and listen to the O'Jays. James had a love for cars. He will always be known as a Cadillac man. James lived out one of his dreams when he opened a barbecue restaurant in Liberty, Mo. James departed this life January 8, 2015 to be with the Lord. He was proceeded in death by his parents James W. Thomas Sr. and Janie Mae Reid Thomas, his brother Allen and sister Carolyn.

James leaves behind his 3 daughters Lisa Roberson(Norman) bonus grandchildren Brandon and Sean Roberson of South Holland, IL, Leslie Thomas Breithaupt (Clint)bonus grandchildren Zack & Mita Breithaupt of Olathe Kansas. LaShanwa Thomas and partner David Pierce, his brother Herman Thomas and sister Bonnie Johnson, his heart grandson Sean Allen aka"The Big Fella" Thomas, childhood friends, cousins and new friends from Las Vegas, and lastly his supportive life partner Constance Dula.