James Anthony Thomas, MD

James Anthony Thomas, MD Peoria - With great sadness, we announce the death of James (Jim) Thomas, MD known to many as "Dr. T." To all who knew, worked besides, or loved Jim, you understand how difficult it is to capture his ebullience and presence in a few words. Who else would delight to have Copeland's, "Fanfare of the Common Man" as his doorbell chime? Elegant turns of phrase, choreographed to ornate gesticulations were his hallmark. Speaking of hands: his healing touch, his laceration repair artistry, and his diagnostic excellence were known in his career as a board-certified physician in Emergency Medicine. Jim was a graduate of the University of Illinois, Chicago, and the Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine. Some of his best memories were of his high school days, at St. Phillip Basilica, Chicago, where he served as Class President and Editor-in-Chief of the school paper.

Jim loved woodworking with exotic varieties and woodgrains. He was a master chef and gourmand; a house full of guests and every seat taken at his table were his shining moments. Jim's life was extended twice by the generosity of two organ donors, whose immeasurable gifts gave us 19 additional years with him.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Phero and Catherine DeRosa Thomas, and his brother, Gregory M. Thomas, MD.

Jim is survived by his lovely wife, Nancy Novotny PhD RN, son Anthony, daughter Anne (Ahsan Chughtai), stepson Ryan Smith (Katie), grandsons Dimitri and Dietrich Gossmeyer, sister Karen, niece Valerie (Patrick Gallagher), nephew Owen, sister-in-law Dawn, and many lifelong friends including the Terwilliger and O'Neill families.

The Thomas/Novotny family wishes to acknowledge Jim's healthcare team for years of dedicated care. A celebration of Jim's life will be held on Saturday, May 27th, from 4 pm to 7 pm, with a brief service at 5 pm at the family home. Please email ibmd0406@yahoo.com for details. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Donate Life America at donatelife.net.