James B. Thomas

James B. Thomas, age 96, passed away peacefully at his home in Wilmington, Delaware on January 24, 2023, with his loving family and wonderful caregivers at his side.
Born in Philadelphia on March 13, 1926 to Emid A. Thomas and Margaret Bradin Thomas, his family moved to Wilmington when he was 10 years old. Jim attended PS DuPont High School before enlisting in the Army at 18 years of age. He served with the 86th Infantry "Blackhawk" Division, in both the European and Pacific theaters.
After World War II, Jim attended and graduated from the University of Delaware, where he was co-captain of the football team and Commander of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He then met and married Mary Alice Mills, his wife of 67 years. Together they had seven children, and their home was always open to any family member, friend, neighborhood kid, or dog who wanted to drop in or stay indefinitely.
In 1958, Jim started his first contracting company and later founded several other successful businesses, including Delaware Contracting Co., Wilmington Stevedores, Inc., and Port Contractors, Inc. He and his family also owned and operated businesses in the Pottsville, Pennsylvania area, where they made many friends. Outside of work, Jim was a founding member of Cavaliers Country Club in Newark, as well as a spirited member of Radley Run Country Club in West Chester and the Elks Club in Wilmington. He was a season ticket holder to the Blue Hen football games for over 40 years.
Jim will be remembered fondly for his love of picking crabs by the pool, telling old war stories, and driving his World War II Willys Jeep around town and in the local Memorial Day parade, earning him the nickname "Old Soldier." He loved horseracing and was a regular at Delaware Park. He also enjoyed talking to friends and strangers alike on his regular walks through Rockford Park. In general, he loved life and lived it to the absolute fullest.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary Alice, son Daniel, and granddaughter, Emily. He is survived by his children: Jim, Jr., Peter, Fred, Mary, Jane, and Peggy; eleven grandchildren: Sarah, Bill, Joe, James, Zachary, Alexandra, Liza, Stefan, Will, Amy, and Andrew; six great-grandchildren: Lily, Jack, Carter, Christopher, Greta and Wyatt; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank his loving caregivers: Judy, Joe, Gina, Charlene, Nakyia and Connie.
A visitation will be held on Friday, February 3 from 5pm-7pm at the Mealey Funeral Home, 2509 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE. Mass and burial will be held privately. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Delaware Food Bank www.fbd.org or Humane Animal Partners Delaware www.humaneanimalpartners.org.