James E. Thomas

James Earl Thomas passed away Friday. He was the only son and eldest child born to C.L. and Elsie Thomas of Birmingham, Alabama. He built his life alongside his wife, Christie, to whom he was married for 40 years. Along with his own children and their families; his sister Sherry and her family; his sister, Sandy; and his family through marriage—family meant everything to him.

A graduate of E.B. Erwin High School and the University of Alabama at Tuscaloosa, he earned his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering following military service during the Vietnam War where he lived in Japan and multiple locations in the United States, including Hawaii. Throughout his career, Jim worked on the forefront of emerging telecommunications technology, paving the way for mobile phones. His faith was the most important aspect of him. Above all, he believes in the gospel of Christ crucified and death defeated. This is not the end; it is only the beginning.

He leaves behind to celebrate and remember his life: his wife of 40 years, Christie Thomas of Birmingham, Alabama; his daughter, Kathryn Hastings and his son-in-law, Ryan of Seattle, Washington; his daughter, Robyn Pitts and his son-in-law, Brian of Denver, Colorado; his son, James Thomas II of Austin, Texas who carries on his name; his mother, Elsie Mulvehill of Pell City, Alabama; his sister, Sherry Hammett and his brother-in-law, Buddy of Douglasville, Georgia; his sister-in-law, Charlene Vinson and his brother-in-law Johnny of Hayden, Alabama; his sister-in-law, Marilyn Petty and his brother-in-law, Robby of Nectar, Alabama; and his sister-in-law, Cheri Bolinger of Port St. Lucie, Florida.

He is also survived by six nieces and nephews: Jack, Ann, Tony, Canon, Erin, and Patrick; as well as a host of extended family and his lifelong friends, Arnold and Jody Kinney. He is preceded in death by his grandparents; his father, C.L. Thomas; his sister, Sandy Thomas; his mother-in-law, Betty Waldrop; his stepfather-in-law, Russell Waldrop; his father-in-law, Charles Littlejohn; his nephew, Tommy Johnson; and his lifelong friend, Kathy Mayo Candresse.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to “Silver Oak, c/o James Thomas, 387 South Main Street, Graysville, Alabama 35073”.