James served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II from February of 1941 until November of 1945 serving in the South Pacific.
In December of 1948 he married Hilma Moen. Hilma preceded Jim in death in 1999.
He was a lifetime Elk member, most recently at the Gresham Elks. He was a member of Lynchwood Christian Church. He also was a member of the Machinist Union.
James and Hilma loved to square dance, belonging to many square dance groups. James also liked doing woodworking projects.
James is survived by his son, Capt. James S. Thomas, Jr., US Coast Guard (Ret.), of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, his two grandchildren, James S. Thomas III and Ashley Marie Rice; and his three great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Thomas and Noah Rice.
A Graveside service with military honors will be on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. at Willamette National Cemetery located at 11800 SE Mt. Scott Blvd., Portland, Oregon 97266.
