JAMES THOMAS JR.

THOMAS JR., JAMES
James Thomas Jr. of Hawthorne departed this life on September 29, 2017 at home after a lengthy battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was 84.
Born August 12, 1933 to the late James Thomas Sr. and Katie Thomas in Edgar, FL, he attended Grade School at Oak Grove Elementary School in Edgar, FL. In 1950, he graduated from Central Academy High School in Palatka, FL and went on to obtain his Teaching Degree from Florida Normal And Industrial Memorial College, St. Augustine, FL in 1954.
While at College, Mr. Thomas was the student driver who transported the College President around the State for engagements and was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served on active duty from 1956-58 at the former Governor's Island Military Base in New York City followed by four years in U.S. Army Reserves.
Mr. Thomas taught school in Putnam County, primarily at James A. Long Elementary School, for 39 1/2 years before retiring in 1995. He was known for taking his students on field trips to the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral. He was recognized as Teacher Of The Year for his School in 1983-84.
Mr. Thomas accepted Christ at an early age. He served on the Trustee Board for many years at the former Mt. Bethel Missionary Baptist Church of Hawthorne and later at his current church, Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church of Hawthorne.
Mr. Thomas served as Worshipful Master at Edgar Lodge #201 for more than two decades. In 2009, he was recognized by the Most Worshipful Union Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons PHA, Florida, Belize, Central America and St. John USVI Jurisdiction Inc. for 50 years of continuous faithful and devoted service to the Masonic Order Of Florida. Mr. Thomas also served with the local Johnson-area Community Organization Save Our Children Inc.; was a Board Member for The ARC Of Putnam County; and a Board Member for The Putnam County Ship Program.
He leaves to mourn his wife of nearly 60 years Daisy Thomas; two sons, Jerome Thomas (Yvonne), and Terrell Thomas; two daughters, Devonne Jordan (Larry); and Jennifer Thomas; ten grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Leola Jenkins, Elizabeth Waldon, Annie L. Holmes, and Beulah Carroll; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, October 7, 2017 at Trinity United Missionary Baptist Church, 146 S. C. R. 21, Hawthorne, FL, Dr. Clarence Woods, is Pastor, Rev. Arthur McGruder is Presiding, his nephew, Rev. William 'Billy' Hawkins, is Eulogist. Burial will be in Gilgal Cemetery, Mcmeekin, FL. Viewing hours on Friday 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at PINKNEY-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 21400 SE Hawthorne Road, Hawthorne, FL, and Saturday at the church 12:30 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. No Viewing after eulogy. The cortege will form 10:15 a.m. at Mr. & Mrs. James Thomas' home.
PINKNEY-SMITH FUNERAL HOME OF HAWTHORNE.