Daddy was the strongest, wisest, most hardworking person I've ever known. He taught me so much in life, from art, to appreciating nature, to survival. He was the absolute best father a girl could ever ask for, and I was truly blessed to have him as my Daddy. He once told my husband Jonny, "Jenny is different, she just isn't like most people," but he loved me for who I was. He knew and loved ALL his girls for who we were. 
Time can never heal the void his absence leaves... Now, he walks among the stars, shining his light from above. I look forward to our reunion in the next life.  I love you more than words can express, Daddy!!! May the gods bless you with love, light, and laughter on this new journey.
Love and Light,
Jenni

REMEMBERING MY UNCLE JAMES.  HE WAS ALWAYS FUNNY, JUST A GREAT PERSON TO BE AROUND.  I WILL MISS YOU.  AUNT EMMA AND THE REST OF HIS FAMILY YOU HAVE MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY.  LOVE YOU.
MY DADDY JOHN BOLLEN WITH HIS BROTHER IN LAW JAMES THOMAS.

The 1st time I met James, he was in his front field with his horse and I drove up the long drive to introduce myself, looking for a place to board my horse.  Ray and I had just married in 1987 and I didn't have a barn and fence yet.  He helped us build a barn and showed us how to put up a fence properly. The friendship grew, took fishing trips with Ray to Eufaula, Al., Cut tons of firewood for our homes. He even made me a reindeer and it still sits on the porch. He went with me to buy a horse and when we got it home and it went stir crazy on us and he put him back in the trailer and returned him. The 1993 snow storm James and Emma took us into their home with our 6 mo. old son for 3 wks, They fed us ( Emma's wonderful veggie soup) and kept us safe and warm. We had long summer talks on the back patio while Emma and I swung in the swing laughing at their stories. James loved his garden, he kept our fridge full. He helped Ray get thru a panic attack driving him to pick up his 1st born son at the hospital. We named our 2nd after him. Most of all enjoying time with our Best Friend. We love you, Pa Pa James.  We will meet again! Ray, Gina Zack and Bradley.

My dad was a wonderful and loving dad!  I will always remember our trips to Nolin Lake and Rough River, our outings to Fountain Ferry Park, my one and only hunting trip, fishing with you and so much more.  Too many to even try to list.  I love and miss you so very much but know you are with Jesus and I will see you again some day.

Love you daddy!

To the Thomas family:
May the angels wrap their mighty wings around each one of you to comfort and help you through loosing such a precious man!  He is smiling down on everyone and letting you know that he's alright!  
Just keep holding on to your faith and love and it will carry you through!  
God Bless!
Big hugs and prayers and much love, Gaynell Hester  

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James was preceded in death by his parents, Sollie and Exie Lee Thomas; siblings, Junior Thomas, Bill Thomas, and Eloise Payne.

Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 69 years, Emma Thomas; children, Donna Mullins (Jack), Jennifer Shockley (Jon); grandchildren, Richard Mullins (Amanda), Jason Mullins (Kathleen), Ashley Mullins (Jennifer), Emily Edwards (Trey), Aurora Mullins; great-grandchildren, Lindley Mullins, Skyler Hester, Alex Mullins, Jack Mullins, Madilyn Mullins, Addison Mullins; and great-great-grandchild, Talus Profumo.

OBITUARY

James E. Thomas

August 28, 1928 – April 14, 2018

Evergreen Funeral Home & Cemetery

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