James "J c" Thomas Sr.

Deacon James Clinton Thomas, Sr., affectionately known as "J.C.," was born on January 16, 1939, in the town of Washington, Louisiana, to the late Mr. and Mrs. Elton Thomas, Sr. He departed this life peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, educator, and servant of God. On June 6, 1970, he united in holy matrimony with Janice Thomas, and together they built a strong and loving family, rooted in faith and service. A lifelong servant in ministry, he was a devoted and faithful member of Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Dr. Samuel C. Tolbert, Jr. as a committed Deacon.
Deacon Thomas played a pivotal role in supporting Pastor Tolbert in the successful application for the Greater St. Mary Community Development Foundation's 501(c)(3) status. In addition to his role as Deacon, he served faithfully as a Sunday School Teacher and Vacation Bible School Instructor. He also worked diligently with the Family and Marriage Ministry until his health no longer allowed him to do so. His commitment to Christian Education extended beyond his home church- he regularly attended the Southwest Missionary Baptist Association meetings and served as a teacher during the Louisiana Home and Foreign Missions Baptist Convention Annual Sessions. Professionally, he served as an educator for 33 years, teaching Math and Science at the elementary, middle, and high school levels. His dedication to education reached far beyond the classroom, as he mentored and inspired countless students throughout his career. In addition to his work in education, he held leadership roles in the Gideons organization, serving as secretary of the local chapter, state supervisor, and as Greater St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church's liaison to the Gideons Bible Society. He was also a successful entrepreneur. He owned and operated T & T Insurance Agency and was a proud business partner with his wife, Janice, in T & T Flowers and Gifts.
He also served his community with compassion and dignity as an assistant at Fondel Funeral Home under the leadership of Raymond Fondel, Sr. His academic achievements included earning a Master's Degree in Education and a Degree in Administration and Supervision. He was also a proud and active lifelong member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His favorite scripture was John 14:2-6, which speaks of the eternal home prepared by Jesus for those who believe - a scripture that embodied his enduring faith and hope.
He was preceded in death by his siblings Wallace Thomas, Elton Thomas Jr., Audrey Thomas, Willie Mae Thomas, and Georgie Mae Thomas; brother-in-law Bufford McZeal, and sisters-in-law Irma Lee Thomas, Carolyn Thomas and Linda Press.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Janice Thomas; his children: James Thomas, Jr., Dwayne Thomas, Brenda Martin, Tiffany Thomas, and Nysheika Antoine; his grandchildren: Mar'tya, Teja, Jade, Jeremiah (Popa), Marcus Jr. (Pig), Saisha, Kah 'MIl, Travis II, Olaljuwon, and Jennifer; and his great-grandchildren: Kiyami, Jazzrae, Melody, Oliver, Giovanni, Malanni, Jarvis Jr., Dejai, and Dariyan; his brothers: John Thomas and Ezekiel Thomas; sisters-in-law: Bernadette Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loving friends. Deacon Thomas's legacy of faith, education, and service will live on through all who knew and loved him.
He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.