Obituary of James H. Thomas

James H. Thomas II of Melbourne, Florida passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, October 31, 2023, at home. He was born to the son of a sharecropper, John Davis Thomas and his loving wife Elenor, a schoolteacher, in Drew, Mississippi on July 25, 1938. His twin brother, John, predeceased him, as well as sisters Mary, Martha, and Ruth. He is survived by his brother Charles and sister Evelyn.

Jim, as he was affectionately known by all, is survived by his wife of 63 years, Arleen as well as 7 of 9 children, 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. He joins his two boys, Todd and Derek in Heaven who predeceased him. His surviving children, Jim (Katherine) Thomas, Kimberly (Stacy) Rutland, Angelina (Christopher) Salvagio, Valerie Dube’, John (Jolyn) Thomas, Michelle (Humberto) Pedroso, and Chad (Martha) Thomas.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force for 23 years before retiring as a noncommissioned Officer. His service continued with his country in the United States Customs Service for an additional 16 years before permanently retiring and settling in Melbourne, Florida. Jim lived to serve his country, family, and faith. He was a member of St John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Viera. Jim was loved by all who knew him and will be missed dearly.