Jimmie D. Thomason

He is survived by his beloved wife of 33 years, Susan S. Thomason; adoring children: Jessica, married to Jeffrey Fleisher and living in Jacksonville, and Kelley, married to Jarod Prentice and living in Orange Park; and one loving brother, Larry Thomason, married to Jan Thomason and residing in Ocala. He is predeceased by his parents, John “Tommy” and Verdee Thomason of Ocala; sister, Margaret Henry of St. Petersburg; and brother, Charles Thomason, of Ocala.

This Ocala man always joked that his life was sculpted in 20-year increments: Growing up, military, financial industry, and happy retiree.

Jim predominantly grew up in Ocala, having graduated from Ocala High School in 1964. He attended Central Florida Community College, received his Bachelors in Business Administration in General Business Finance Administration Cum Laude from the University of Massachusetts, and acquired his Masters in Business Administration (Management) from Golden Gate University.

He launched his second 20-year increment in the Air Force. He enlisted in the Air Force, and attended Navigator School in Sacramento CA and Officer’s Training School in San Antonio TX. He was an officer in the Vietnam War while stationed at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, and Bien Hoa and DaNang in S. Vietnam in 1972-1973. Subsequent to this conflict, he was stationed at bases in Iceland, California, Germany, South Carolina, and New Jersey Institute of Technology. He retired as a Major while stationed at Langley AFB in the Tactical Air Forces Interoperability Group (TAFIG). His military honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medals, and numerous Air Medals.

Jim’s third 20-year increment, retiring in 2007, was as a Financial Planner at Smith Barney, AG Edwards, and Raymond James financial institutions in Tampa. In addition, he was a member of Rotary Club of Brandon since 1993 and was President of this heartfelt, industrious club in 2000. He was extremely proud to be a Paul Harris Fellow.

The Lord apparently had other plans for his next 20-year increment.

Jim was a fisherman at heart and particularly loved Florida fishing on the St. John’s River, Lake George, and Boca Grande. He exceeded the gold standard as a Husband and Father and was “Dad” to many of his daughters’ friends. He dearly loved his family and friends and enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and the world.

A man such as this is worthy of a life’s celebration.

Visitation will be at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 Brandon Blvd W., Brandon, Florida

(813-689-1211) on Thursday, July 15th from 6 – 8 pm. The Service will be held at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 3315 Bryan Road, Brandon, Florida (813-689-6849) on Friday, July 16th at 11:30 am to be followed by a reception. Family graveside services will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. www.stowersfh.com

In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to Brandon Rotary, or a charity of your choice:

Brandon Rotary Charity Fund

P.O. Box 303

Brandon, Florida 33509-0303