Jim Thomas

Surrounded by his family, Earl James "Jim" Thomas, passed away at his home in Miami, Oklahoma, Friday morning, March 2, 2018. He was 88 years old.Jim was born on July 22, 1929 in Picher, Oklahoma. His parents were W.C. "Buss" and Rosa (Brookshire) Thomas. At a young age, Jim and his family moved to the Maybelle School District, east of Welch. By anyone's standards, Jim did not have a happy childhood. Shouldering the responsibilities of an adult, Jim early on developed a strong work ethic that followed him throughout his life. Twice a day before and after school, Jim had the responsibility of feeding and milking twenty plus head of cattle. Days and summers spent away from school were filled with long hard hours in hayfields, chopping wood, and working on the farm to help provide food for the family. It is no wonder at the age of fourteen, following the footsteps of older brother, Paul, Jim jumped at the opportunity to leave home and go to work for Durnil Funeral Home in Picher. The day he left home, Jim vowed he would never again live on a farm. He kept that vow for the rest of his life. It was in Picher that Jim became a man and learned to love and respect the funeral home business. Mr. Durnil believed the best teacher was experience. Mr. Durnil also owned the ambulance service in Picher and soon Jim was making emergency calls at all times of the day and night throughout the area. He also attended high school in Picher and earned his high school education. Jim seemingly strived on this hard new life. As busy as he was, he still found the time to meet someone very special. He met and almost immediately fell in love with Willa Dean Rogers, the daughter of a local evangelist. After a few short dates, Jim proposed to her and she accepted. Without the permission of either parent, the couple caught a bus to Baxter Springs, KS, found a Justice of the Peace, fibbed about their ages, and became husband and wife. This union lasted for over fifty years and produced three children.Embarking on the life of a married man, Jim knew he had to provide for his family. He tried several occupations. For several years he worked at B.F. Goodrich in Oklahoma and California. He was a professional wrestler, known as "Brother Bear". He worked for the Tulsa Police Department, was chief of the volunteer fire department in Commerce. He was also a salesman, selling everything from bibles, cars, mobile homes, and insurance policies throughout his life. Finding success in all areas, he found his way back to the funeral home business. He worked for several different home before settling on the Mitchellson Funeral Home in Commerce. For years,, he and Willa Dean raised their family in Commerce while both worked at the funeral home. After several years, a local banker offered Jim money interest free if he would open his own funeral home. Jim and Willa Dean then opened their first funeral home on Main Street in Commerce. The rest is history.As Jim continued in the business, he eventually owned funeral homes in Commerce, Miami, and Afton. He was known as being kind, compassionate, and professional.After many years of service, Jim retired and sold the funeral homes. A short time later, Willa Dean passed away suddenly. Being a workaholic for many years, Jim never developed any hobbies. Missing work, Jim had the opportunity to purchase the Thomas Funeral Home in Welch from his father. He still owned it at the time of his death.Jim found love later in life. He married Lynda Brown Nichols in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim and Lynda made their home in Miami. They viewed each day with each other as a gift. The more Jim became ill, the more they cherished their time. Together they enjoyed working in and around their home. They loved to garden. Jim's vegetable garden was the envy of his neighbors. He also loved growing his beautiful flowers and took special interest in his roses. He thoroughly enjoyed entertaining his family and neighbors. Holidays, whether they were Christmas, Easter, or whatever Jim saw as an opportunity to have everyone over to his house for food and laughter. He was so awfully proud of his grandchildren and loved to hear about their exploits and achievements. In his later years, Jim continued to love the funeral home business and worked in it until the very end. He will always be remembered, loved and respected for his compassionate care that he so freely gave to others. He was a member of the Miami Masonic Lodge #140 AF&AM, Tulsa Scottish Rite Consistory, Akdar Shrine Temple, Grand Lake Shrine Club, the Oklahoma Funeral Director's Association for over 50 years, and the National Funeral Director's Association.Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Willa Dean Thomas; parents, W.C. and Rosa Thomas; 2 brothers; 2 sisters; and 1 great-great grandson.Surviving and forever mourning Jim is his wife, Lynda; 1 son, David Thomas and wife Margaret, of Miami; 2 daughters, Diane Giles, of Afton; and Leanna Trease, of Miami; 2 stepsons, Marc Nichols and wife, Talisha, of Verdigris, OK, and Brian Nichols, of Bartlesville; 1 sister, JoAnn Akerman, of McKinney, TX; 12 grandchildren; numerous greatgrandchildren and great-great grandchildren; many many other loving relatives, and a host of friends.Jim's body will lie in state at his home until visitation time, located at 1932 7th NE, Miami. Friends and family are encouraged to stop by and share memories with Jim's family.The family will host a visitation for friends at the Paul Thomas Funeral Home, Commerce on Monday evening, March 5, 2018 from 6-8 p.m.Services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday. March 6, 2018 at the First Christian Church, Miami, OK. Pastor Howie Moss, assisted by Pastor Duane Elmore will officiate. He will be laid to rest in the G.A.R. Cemetery, Miami.Serving as casket bearers will be "Grandpa's Girls", Jaki Stansill, Julie Payton, Anise Thomas, Kristi Brown, Jamie Chenoweth, Kim Smith, Chandy Davidson, Lacey Christy, Andrea Nichols, and Avery Nichols. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Rogers, Steven Giles, Murry Seat, Marty Seat, Marc Nichols, Brian Nichols, and Holden Nichols.Online condolences can be made to www.thomasfuneralhomewelchok.comServices are under the direction of the Thomas Funeral Home in Welch, and assisted by the Paul Thomas Funeral Home.

Jim Thomas

July 22, 1929 - March 2, 2018