James Patton Thomas

Jim, a self-employed retiree, lost a lengthy battle with cancer on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007, at 8 p.m. at Regency Care Center in League City, Texas. An 81-year-old U.S. Navy veteran, he served on the USS Van Valkenburgh during World War II. A resident of League City for only two weeks, he was a former longtime resident of Baton Rouge and a native of Canton, Mo. He possessed a very positive outlook on life which he enjoyed through a keen sense of humor. He was a strong LSU fan, although he enjoyed following all sports. He particularly enjoyed his last few years of retirement driving as a courier in the local area. Survived by his dedicated and loving wife of 57 years, Joyce A. Thomas; daughter, Karen T. Pennington, of Bacliff, Texas; son, Jay M. Thomas Sr. and wife Sheryl P. Thomas; stepsister, Nancé Bloedow, of Des Moines, Iowa; three grandchildren, S. Todd Pennington and wife Tracy, of Norfolk, Va., and J. Michael Thomas Jr. and Dianna M. Thomas, both of Mobile, Ala.; and two great-granddaughters, Chelsea and Ashley Pennington. Preceded in death by his father, James P. Thomas Sr.; mother, Zelda Bryan; stepmother, Florene Susan Thomas; sister, Carmalita Kirchheimer; and daughter, Melody Joy Thomas. Visitation will be held at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Monday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. until religious service at 11 a.m. Interment in Greenoaks Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Todd Pennington, Michael Thomas, Daryl Pinocci, Jimmie Daniel, Mike Keogh and Jere Hilburn. In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of Baton Rouge.