James J. "Tooney" Thomas

James J. "Tooney" Thomas
Age 87 of New Castle
Passed away on September 14, 2023, after a long battle with dementia.
Jimmy was born in Albany, New York to the late James and Ella (McCaffery) Thomas. As a young man Tooney moved to New Castle and opened his own barber shop on Delaware Street that he operated for many years. He later went to work for the State of Delaware and retired after 20 years of dedicated service.
On November 21, 1979, Jimmy married the love of his life, Anne Hitchens. Together they lived in New Castle and shared 40 happy years of marriage.
Jimmy was a devout Catholic. He was a long-time parishioner of St. Peter the Apostle Church and rarely missed a daily mass. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus.
Tooney was a talented tennis and handball player. He loved to watch baseball and cheer on the Phillies. He enjoyed trips to West Point and Valley Forge as well as yearly trips to Myrtle Beach with Anne. Jimmy took great pride in his yard and garden. He loved to eat, especially McDonald's, and was a self-proclaimed "foodie". He enjoyed listening to and singing along with Frank Sinatra. Jimmy was most known around town for his scooter. He loved driving through the New Castle streets on his Vespa.
In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by his wife, Anne Thomas, and his grandson, Timmy Scott.
He is survived by his stepdaughters, Irene Scott (Elwood), and Lyvonne Rustemis (Joe George); his grandchildren, Tamara Scott, Tina Barksdale (Chris), John McDaniels, Anthony Ciconte (Renee), great grandchildren, AJ Ciconte, Anna Ciconte, Conor Barksdale, and Cody Barksdale. He is also survived by his cousin, Danny Plumley, and his faithful dog, Dakota.
The family would like to especially thank the doctors, nurses, and staff of Park View Nursing and Rehab for their compassionate care of Jimmy in his final years.
Relatives and Friends are invited to attend Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter the Apostle Church, 521 Harmony St., New Castle, on Wednesday, Sept 20 at 11:00am. Friends may call at the church from 10:00am-11:00am. Interment will take place in the adjoining church cemetery privately.