Elbert James Thomas Jr.

Elbert James Thomas, Jr. was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama on February 22, 1928 to Elbert James Thomas, Sr. and Julia Aliene Lane. His family, including his sister Doris and brothers William and Ray, moved to Nashville, Tennessee when he was five years old.

Jim joined the U.S. Navy in 1946 and worked as a yeoman on a destroyer in World War II. He was discharged in 1947, and worked in the National Guard as an administrative assistant as a Warrant Officer JG in 1950. He sailed to Japan with the 224th Infantry Unit in early 1951 during the Korean War.

On July 28, 1950, Jim married Frances Lorraine McAfee at the Culver Palms Methodist Church in Los Angeles. After he returned from the service, Jim worked at Helms Bakery, and later he was employed by Allstate Insurance. He was a successful insurance agent from 1953 to his retirement in 1986.

Jim and Fran had two children: James Gregory, born in 1953, and Susan Lorraine, born in 1955. The two children gave him five grandchildren: Jenny, Mark, Mary, and Ryan (Jim’s children), and Cais (Susan’s daughter). He also has 3 great-granddaughters: Kara, Joy, and Paityn.

Jim became a member of the Upland Masonic Lodge in 1950, and he received the cherished Hiram Award in 1995 for his service to the Lodge. Being a member of the Masonic Lodge, and a member of Red Hill Golf Club for over 40 years, were great pleasures in his life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to veterans’ organizations or to the Salvation Army in his name. There will be a visitation at 1:00 p.m. and a service at 2:00 p.m. at the Stone Funeral Home at 355 E. 9th Street in Upland on Monday, January 9th.

Arrangements under the direction of Stone Funeral Home FD272, Upland, CA.