James Thomas

James Thomas Sr. was born on May 6, 1921, to Mary and Isom Thomas in Cairo (Henderson County), Kentucky. Having grown up in the country, James had a desire to head for a big city. He headed to New York (Bronx) in the early 1950’s, where he met his wife of fifty years, Lillian. Lillian and James brought four children into the world, Stephanie, James Jr., Steven, and David. Prior to leaving Kentucky, James received his education within the Henderson County Schools System. He chose a career with the New York City Transit Authority, where he held various positions. James retired in 1982.

After retirement, Lillian and James moved to Palm, Bay, FL. He lived there until 2012, when he moved to Milwaukee, WI due to declining health and to be closer to his sons. He was a member of the United Methodist Church.

James Thomas Sr. departed this life on July 8, 2023, while a resident at Edenbrook Lakeside Nursing Home, after suffering a terrible fall which altered his brain function in January 2022. He was preceded in death by: wife, Lillian Thomas; parents, Isom and Mary Thomas; brothers, Hillary Thomas and Albert Thomas; sister, Mildred Piper; adopted sister, Laura Allen; daughter, Stephanie Vasquez; and son-in-law, Tomas Vasquez.

He is survived by: sons, James Thomas Jr. (Tarena), Steven Thomas (James), and David Thomas (Virginia), all of Milwaukee, WI; grandchildren, Keisha Harper, James (Keshawn) Thomas, and Kimberly Dundas (Don), all of Orlando, FL, Christopher Vasquez and Jennifer Vasquez, both of Miami, FL, and Cynthia Thomas, Chris Thomas, Ashley Thomas, and Taneal Thomas, all of Milwaukee, WI; fifteen great-grandchildren; Goddaughter, Rita Langford of Las Vegas, NV; good friend, Nathaniel Clemens of Melbourne, FL ; and a host of cousin, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation for James will be held Monday, July 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Fountainhead Funeral Home, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. A funeral service will occur Monday, July 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM, 7359 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909. A graveside service will occur Monday, July 17, 2023 at 12:00 PM at Fountainhead Memorial Park, 7303 Babcock Street SE, Palm Bay, FL 32909.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.FountainheadFuneralHome.com for the Thomas family.