James Thomas

WILLMAR

James E. Thomas, age 59, of Willmar, died Friday evening, November 17th, at his home in Willmar.
Funeral service will be held at 10 A.M., Wednesday, November 22nd, at the Peterson Brothers Funeral Home in Willmar with Rev. Daniel Johnson, from First Covenant Church, officiating. The interment will be in the Fairview Cemetery. Friends may call one hour prior to the services at the funeral home.
James Edward Thomas was born on January 29, 1947, in Phoenix, Arizona, the son of Maxine (Lowater) and Fred Thomas. He grew up in Oklahoma and received his education there. He moved with his family to Midland, Texas, in 1969. Jim worked at several gas stations and in the oil fields in the area while attending trade school. On May 27, 1982, he was married to Frances L. Bryan and they made their home in Midland, Texas. In 1984, they moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and Jim was employed by the Ellis Construction Company for over 13 years before moving to Willmar in 1999. Jim worked as a farm manager for Willmar Poultry Company until he had to retired due to failing health. Jim loved being with family and friends, especially his grandchildren of whom he was very proud. He also enjoyed working on cars and doing color by number paintings.
Jim is survived by one son, James (and Rose) Ward of Taylor, Michigan, two daughters, Samantha Floyd of Owasso, Oklahoma and Melissa Thomas of Willmar, one stepdaughter, Leann Ward of Taylor , Michigan and four grandchildren. Also surviving is one brother, Rick Hendricks of Willmar and one sister, Mary (and Bernie) Stull of Willmar, besides other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife (Frances in January of this year), and one brother (Walter Thomas).