James Lee Thomas, Sr. (Papa)

"Imagine stepping onto a shore and finding it's Heaven. Imagine taking hold of a hand and finding it's God's hand. Imagine breathing new air and finding it's celestial. Imagine feeling invigorated and finding it’s immortality. Imagine passing from storms and tempest to an unknown calm. Imagine waking up and finding it's home.“ James “Jim” Thomas (Papa) 75, a resident of Round Rock, Texas retired for the night for his physical rest and woke up in Glory and at HOME! He shed all earthly ties in the early morning hours of Sunday, September 2, 2018.Jim was born in Florence, South Carolina on July 5, 1943 to Rueben and Pretto Thomas. He grew up in a country that was seeped in age-old customs, but raised in a family and community where African-Americans bound themselves in unity to support their spiritual, educational, social, political and cultural needs. In this ‘two separate, but not equal’ era, Jim rose above societal obstacles to succeed and even excel in life. After his formal education, he enlisted in the United States Army.U.S. Army Master Sergeant James Thomas (MSG-Ret) served his country proudly with twenty (20) years of dedicated service. He served in Infantry, (1st Calvary Division), one of the most decorated combat divisions of the United States Army. In a call of duty, sheer bravery and commitment, Jim spent five (5) years fighting the treacherous war in Vietnam. He experienced the country and the world during deployments in assignments to Germany, Korea, Alaska, and Denver among many. While enlisted, he also earned an Associate degree in communication from Columbia College and served as a Public Affairs Audiovisual Chief, teaching photography. Jim received several major awards and decorations for his service and achievements; Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, Vietnam Service Medal (with 1 Silver Star), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Air Force Ribbon, and NCO Professional Development Ribbon. He ended his military service to country at Fort Hood, TX in 1984. Later in 1984, Jim began working at the Internal Revenue Service Center (IRS, Austin) and became good friends with Arbadella Hill, a co-worker. In 1986, he and “Della” realized they were soulmates and became inseparable. Their union was blessed and sealed on September 10, 1987 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Jim’s work tenure includes Bergstrom Air Force Base, US Postal Service, Round Rock School District, and Texas Workforce Center. He was also a Real Estate broker (Thomas and Associates) since 1990 and a member of the Austin and Williamson County Board of Realtors.Jim was well-rounded in activities and his initial love was studying and sharing God’s Word. He loved cooking, gardening, fishing, photography, collecting Buffalo Soldier Memorabilia, woodworking, making pens, and sewing. He was a Raiders football fan, and an avid history buff. He had a heart dedicated to teaching and mentoring young men, and helping others. He was a member of Celebration Church, Georgetown, TX, former member of Sweet Home-The Pinnacle of Praise, Round Rock, TX where he served as a Deacon, Elder, and Men’s Ministry leader, and St. Stephens(North) where he led the Culinary Ministry. Jim was also a 33rd degree Mason.In departing this life, Jim now joins his parents, Rueben and Pretto Thomas, his grandparents, siblings Joseph Thomas, Walter Fred Thomas, Francis Thomas, Bertha, and daughter, Stephanie Thomas in eternal rest.  Jim leaves his once inseparable love, Della, only as the traditional wedding vows indicate, "till death do us part." Surviving siblings to cherish his memory are Clara Wilson (New Jersey) and Annie Ruth Weaver (New York); his children, Donna Irvin (Shawn), Denver, CO; James Thomas, Jr (Baltimore, MD) and their mother, Gloria Thomas (Baltimore, MD); Adopted children – Marquita Jamison McElroy (Clayce) Katy, TX; Aiyden Jamison (Katy, TX); Mason Singletary (Katy, TX); two (2) grandchildren and four (4) great-grandchildren; a host of nephews and cousins in New Jersey, Washington, DC, and South Carolina areas as well as a host of friends and adopted sons and daughters throughout the State of Texas and Arkansas; and best friend and business partner, Reginald Adams (Lenora), Gaithersburg, MD.