James Wilson Thomas

James “Jim” Wilson Thomas , 74 years old, of Westerville, passed away at St. Ann’s Hospital from complications of cancer. He slipped away from this world in the early morning hours of October 7, 2025 in the arms of his family.

Son of Ruth and Robert Thomas, Jim was born in Cleveland on Jan 13, 1951. When a jingle on the radio sparked his interest, his Mom bought him his first guitar at age 15. He joined his first band in high school. A graduate of Euclid High School in 1969, he moved to Columbus to begin a Tool and Die apprenticeship at Western Electric. He met the love of his life Patricia Thomas (neé Kelly) in 1972. Introduced by mutual friends, it was love at first sight. Their first date set the stage for a shared love of music, when he took her to a “jam session” at his house. Music and numerous bands remained a cornerstone throughout their lives.

After their marriage in Oct 1972, they grew their family the following year with the birth of a daughter Laura Jean, followed two years later by son James Patrick. They moved their young family to Gahanna, and eventually to New Albany. After working at several different Tool and Die companies, Jim founded Thomas Tool & Mold in 1989. Upon his retirement in 2020, his son, Jamie took over the family business.

His talent for repairing or improving was second to none. Jim's hands were a testament to his restless spirit, always engaged in a project—be it fixing, tuning, tweaking, or strumming. His remarkable talent for repair and improvement was evident in everything he touched, from the Cobra kit car and several guitars he built to the meticulous maintenance of his 11 motorcycles and the constant upkeep of his home. After retirement, Jim developed a passion for pickleball as well as travel. His adventures with Patty included many US states from Hawaii to Maine, as well as Ireland, England, Mexico, Canada and Puerto Rico.

Jim leaves behind his beloved wife, Patricia, and their children, Laura and her husband Chris, and Jamie and his wife Jodi. He will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Abigail, Oscar, Brooke, and Ellis. Jim is also survived by his brother, Robert, his half-siblings, Chris and Linda, and his stepbrother, Dave. He is predeceased by his stepmother Patricia ( neé Grabenhofer), his stepbrother Jack, as well as his parents Ruth and Robert.

Family will receive guests from 10:00-11:00am on Saturday October 18, 2025 followed by a memorial service beginning at 11:00am at Schoedinger Funeral Home 1051 East Johnstown Rd. Gahanna, Ohio 43230

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.