James P. Thomas Jr.

James Philip Thomas Jr., “Jim”, was born April 19th 1929 at Paradise Valley Hospital, National City and raised in City Heights. After graduation from Hoover High School he attended San Diego State. He transferred to UC Davis, graduating in 1950 with a BS in Animal Science and was then accepted into their School of Veterinary Medicine (one of 52 out of hundreds of applicants). He was awarded his DVM in 1954. He spent two years in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps as a first lieutenant. After settling in La Mesa, Jim opened Parkway Pet Hospital in 1960, retiring in 1988. “Dr. Thomas” was respected and loved by all those who worked for him, as well as his clients.

After retirement Jim felt called to serve and volunteered for Sharp Hospice Care and as a Stephen Minister. He was active in his church, singing in the choir and making close friendships. He also had a great love of fishing, which he enjoyed whenever possible. Jim was grateful for the gift of life and had faith in his savior, Jesus Christ.

He is survived by a loving wife of 38 years, seven children (including 3 step-children), one brother, and eight grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, La Mesa on Saturday May 11th at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Project Wildlife at www.projectwildlife.org. James will be laid to rest at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, California

James was much loved and will be deeply missed.