James Edward Thomas Sr.

James Edward Thomas Sr. born June 02, 1933 went to be with the Lord peacefully in his home on Wednesday September 30, 2015. “The Boy” as he was lovingly referred to, was a remarkable man that dedicated his life to his country, his friends, his community, and above all else his family. The only boy of seven children, he raised his 6 sisters after his father’s passing. He enlisted in the army and served his country proudly during the Korean War. Upon his return home, the self-educated entrepreneur began his first of many successful businesses, a small engine repair shop. After 35 years of working for ConAgra, James and his wife Sandra opened up Thomas Grocery on route 20 in Albemarle County. There they prided themselves on providing the best products and services available at a fraction of the cost. James loved gardening. Whether it be vegetables or flowers; his green thumb could grow anything. He had a fondness for all creatures, and enjoyed his time spent with his sweet dogs and cats. He also enjoyed slow afternoon car rides with his wife, Sandra. Above all, James loved his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Nothing brought more life to him than spending time with his family and friends. His strength, knowledge, determination, and loving heart were immeasurable. He will be deeply missed. He is survived by his wife, Sandra B. Thomas, the mother of his children and lifelong friend Elizabeth Lucille Thomas, son James “Bug” E. Thomas Jr. and his wife Debbie, son Kenneth Wayne Thomas and his wife Kimberly, daughter Diane Marie Fox and her husband Randy, son Jeffrey Wade Thomas and his wife Heidi, daughter Cathy Ann Fogle, daughter Donna Kay Thomas, son William Duke Fogle, daughter Autumn Wendy Meadows and her husband Lee, twenty grandchildren, numerous great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, with whom he shared a very special bond. He is also survived by his sisters Gladys Morris, Rosie Lillard and her husband Robert Lillard, Ann McDaniel and her husband Robert McDaniel, Catherine “Kitty” Fisher, Lorrene "Rennie" Gibson, and Lucille “Lou” Goodson. He is preceded in death by his father and mother, Dimarco and Edna Thomas, his daughter Phyllis “Duchess” Marshall, his son Michael Baron Fogle, his brothers in law: George Fisher, Ernest Morris, Earl Clements, Franklin Gibson and Larry Goodson. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint – Isaiah 40:31.