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James Thomas Obituary
PEORIA - James Lee "JT Goodfoot" Thomas, 57, of 1312 NE Monroe St., Peoria, Ill., passed away on Monday, Sept. 28, 2009, at his home.
James was born on Nov. 14, 1951, in Sweet Water, Ala., to Terow Wiley Sr. and Irene Thomas. He married Eunice (Wright) Thomas.
James is survived by his friend for life, Eunice Thomas; his mother, Irene Thomas of San Diego, Calif.; two sons, Tracy (Tyanne) Wright and Timothy Wright; two daughters, Margaret Wright and Shirlethia Thomas, all of Peoria; three brothers, Percy (Diane) Thomas and Terow Wiley Jr., both of Peoria, and Lee Thomas of San Diego, Calif.; three sisters, Kristine (Rueben) Camacho and Kathlynn Daniels, both of San Diego, Calif., and Betty Wiley of Birmingham, Ala.; 15 grandchildren; three foster grandsons; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father.
James was affectionately known in the Peoria community as "JT Goodfoot."
He was a graduate of Bradley University, where he received his bachelor's degree.
He was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
JT Goodfoot was founder and organizer of the 1980s-1990s popular R&B band Sex Appeal and was the host of "Bourbon Street Live" on Channel 22.
James worked for the Department of Children and Family Services for 29 years. He last worked as a day care licensing representative.
James was a member of St. Bernard's Catholic Church.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009, at Manual Middle and High School Auditorium at 811 S. Griswold, with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 9 a.m. The Rev. Andrew Jowers will officiate. James will be interred in Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Thomas
October 14, 2009
To the Thomas family And goodfoot family. The Roosevelt Henderson family want to send our respect out to you all. Goodfoot has been a very inspirational and a productive citizen to our community and to our society. I have taken that gift of knowledge from him and continue to pass it along to other individuals myself. This is what we will miss along with the other great gifts that god let him share with us.
I will never forget the last time we went out together to the comedy store to support my fundraiser back in the days. We laught all night. That is the way the Roosevelt Henderson family will remember you. God needed somebody to spin some records so god called on the best. So now you can rest.
Lee Thomas
October 14, 2009
My brother had so much music and many instruments in his room. I was fascinated with all of them growing up. It was because of Jimmy that I became "Spiderman Thomas". I wouldn't be as good as I am today without him.
We had BIG fun. I remember when we were over at big brother Percy's house on Warren. We'd be DJ'ing, you upstairs and me in the basement, and so many people would come over. We partied like there was no tomorrow.
You're with the Lord now...go on brotherman! Your mother, your sisters, and your special baby brother will miss you and never forget you.
Go in peace and I'll talk about you.
Margaret -Tracey Bailey
October 9, 2009
Kristine & Irene, Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you. May the Lord comfort your heart and give you strength during this difficult time. Kristine, please contact me. (A. Palmer's niece)
gwen webster / ezell
October 8, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Iva (Bikie) Washum
October 7, 2009
Wow! Sooo many nites did I stay awake just to hear you play our music. We could'nt wait for the weekend to come. That sweet sound if soul that we as teens could only get from JT Goodfoot, Tony Broughham,Greg "Records"Adams and Preston King. You were guys we looked up to because not only were you Black men, but men educated at one of the finest universities in the midwest. Thank you JT!! Thanks for the music that you continually made sure got out, the young talent that you encouraged, the motivation to succed you instilled. But mostly we thank and Praise out LORD for designing you to be who HE wanted you to be.
Carol Pasley
October 5, 2009
I was shocked and saddened to hear of JT's passing from this life. JT has been our Licensing Rep for a number of years at Lambs of God Child Care in Canton. We liked him very much. He was always helpful and pleasant. As I have read the postings here today, I find that there was a whole lot that went into making that big man and that he was much loved.
We send our most sincere sympathy to all who so deeply feel this loss. May you find comfort in knowing that he will be waiting for you - smiling. It was an honor to have known him.
Pamela Brown Jenkins
October 4, 2009
JT, It is so good to have known you personally and professionally. I remember the only DCFS case I ever worked with you and how I had to listen to our client tell me who you were...it never stuck because for over 30 years I had known you and the kind spirit youexude for everyone.
I was quite shocked to read on FB that you had passed from this life to the next...As I scroll pass your name on my list I see your smile and your long car...caddy lincoln...whatever it was.
It is good to have a friend that has transcended decades with me...good to know that an organization like the Alphas had a strong man such as yourself. So good to remember the music and see you clomp across the floor...so good to have known you...You are the best and you will be sorely missed as is witnessed by the long tributes to you on this page.
I love you man...to be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD...I know your effervescent smile, personality and charm is bubbling over as you meet our LORD and Savior...Rest in peace...much love to your sisters whom I haven't seen since high school and to Percy as well as your other family members...You're the best
monique,martin,dexter, and jaquan sturdevant
October 3, 2009
To my T.T.Eunice and the rest of the family i am sorry for the loss of such a sweet person. He i can honestly say was a good hearted person who didnt have to know you to help you and he will be missed dearly.
MS. HORTON
October 3, 2009
JT GOODFOOT WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED FOR HIS TALENTED DEE JAYING AND MOST OF ALL HIS BEAUTIFUL PERSONALITY. R.I.P.
WADE JACKSON
October 3, 2009
I'M SAD BUT AT THE SAME TIME GLAD TO HAVE KNOWN SUCH A GREAT MAN!! I'M SAD CAUSE IT IS A GREAT LOSE FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND YA'LL FAMILY!! MAY GOD KEEP YA'LL IN HIS ARMS AND I WILL BE PRAYING FOR YOU GUYS!!! GOD BLESS!!!
Billy Jean (Page) Young
October 3, 2009
To the family: He was so unassumming and always courteous - traits not found in too many today. May God give you strength to face the difficult days ahead.
DJ FRAZE
October 3, 2009
a well rounded guy, always there for others at times of need. he always brought the city to us every sunday on ch. 22 and might i add in a positive manner... JT looked 4the good in the community and made things great... a true making of hero. there would never be another like u....
GOD BLESS U AND ALL YOUR LOVE ONE'S
YOUR FRIEND AND BUDDY
DJ FRAZE
Vickie Ihejirika
October 2, 2009
I had the great opportunity to work on the same team with JT at DCFS years ago. I learned so much working with him. We also shared many laughs. I am also aware of all the good work he has done in the Peoria community. He will truly be missed. May God bless his family.
Gerald Wright
October 2, 2009
I remember working with J.T. on 'Bourbon Street Live' back in the nineties. If you want an example of how a person can give back to his community, this man was an excellent example for others to follow. Thank you, J.T., for a lot of good memories.
Veola Moore
October 2, 2009
My prayers go out to the family of Mr. James Thomas.
I met this Proud and Dedicated member of Alpha Phi Alpha around 1978 while attending Illinois Central College. Peoria was a different environment moving from Ohio. My brother (Warren S. Moore) introduce Mr. Thomas to me at an Alpha Affair in Peoria and that's when I learned and recognized what a TRUE MAN IS. JT was the nicest and gentlest man who show me the upmost respect. I thank you for the memories. I will never forget the fun I had living in the "animal house" on Hamilton Blvd in Peoria.
Rest in Peace.
Veola
Clyde McLeod
October 2, 2009
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
October 2, 2009
MY DEAR ALPHA BROTHER,
I WILL MISS YOU. WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS A LONG TIME. WE HAVE SUPPORTED EACH OTHER IN ENDEAVORS. WE HAVE UPLIFTED CHILDREN TOGETHER, WE HAVE GIVEN BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IUN ALL THE WORK WE HAVE DONE. YOU HAVE LIVED A GOOD LIFE. I WILL MISS YOU DEARLY.
MO
Christopher Williams
October 2, 2009
My heartfelt condolences gp out to the entire Thomas and Wright family and friends.
When I heard the news, my heart was deeply saddened.
JT was one of the most loveable and peaceful people I have had the pleasure to meet and work with in my life.
I simply enjoyed putting on events with JT like the annual African American Hall of Fame Black Arts Festival.
However, it dawned on me that I know JT's death symbolized that he completed his work on earth, and is now in the employ of the Lord, Almighty, through Jesus Christ, His Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Rest in peace, my brother, rest in peace.
Higher Dimensions Praise & Worship Church
October 1, 2009
The church family of HIGHER DIMENSIONS PRAISE & WORSHIP CHURCH, Rev. R.W. Randle, Pastor encourage you all to trust in God for strength during the trying time. We will be praying for God to continue to cover you in His grace and Mercy. Trust and believe that not only will God SEE you through, but He is also able to CARRY you through. Be blessed in the Lord.
audrey gipson
October 1, 2009
"Putting his best foot forward," in everything he did, lives he touched, and music he played and promoted. Thank you, J.T. You will be missed but the memories we have & shared will live on. Our hearts and prayers go out to the Thomas family.
Audrey, Cyndi, & Dee Dee Gipson
Christain Tabernacle
October 1, 2009
To Sister Denise Alcorn and the Thomas Family, Just know that earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. We pray that the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will find a resting place in your heart. We love you.
Pastor Kenneth L. Hicks Sr and the Christian Tabernacle Family
Michael Procter
October 1, 2009
Peoria has lost an angel, my brother has always been a guiding light in Peoria. JT always showed concern and love for his friends and his bigger family the community of peoria. We have had some incredible times and many many laughs together way back to before the Umoja center. JT was the historian of the inner city artists and musicians and i hope that his family goes back and shows his self produced television show that highlights all of the wonderful talent of peoria, those that were still in peoria and those that left to pursue their crafts around the world.. all the true friends of JT called him TWAF that was because he couldn't grow a big afro in the 70's so we called him TEENIE WEENIE AFRO. And there was no party without Goodfoot as the d.j. Whenever i came to Peoria i always had to stop by and see my man JT just to feel that love that he always had for you and that great laugh and i always thanked him for being a driving force in me pursuing my dreams and i never got out without doing an interview to update that peoria history lolol.. JT i love you man , and i send my prayers to your family because i know that your leaving will bring them much despair, but know that JT hasn't gone anywhere and his spirit is free to fly and his love will always be present in your lives and ours..
Always
Michael Procter
mary,pooky n chill chapai
October 1, 2009
~I just want to say to Eunice, Cheryl, Margaret, Tracy & Tyrone- My heart goes out to you and i pray that the lord comforts you through this time of grief- Just know that this was Gods plan and he does not make mistakes~~ god bless each of you~~
October 1, 2009
Jerry & Sarah Crayton
Jill Foster
October 1, 2009
I transferred to the DCFS office in Peoria in 2000 where I met JT~~I was assigned to be his casework supervisor in 2001. ~~I had actually just mentioned to someone last week that JT really embodied the spirit of social work, and that there wasn't anyone else like him... now Heaven is blessed with his presence. I missed him when he left my team to switch to the day care unit, and now I miss him again. JT did a lot of good for a lot of people. Rest in peace.
October 1, 2009
thinking of you always, your friend curtis shumate and family
curtis shumate
October 1, 2009
thinking of you always, your friend curtis shumate and family
Mary Beasley
October 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go out the the family of JT Goodfoot. He will be missed in the Peoria area.
TINA RUDLOFF
October 1, 2009
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY JT WAS A GREAT FREIND AND I SPENT MANY YEARS TALKING WITH HIM HE WAS ALL FOR HELPING ANYONE HE COULD I WILL MISS HIM ALOT MY HEART GOES OUT TO ALL THAT LOVED HIM...
October 1, 2009
Ephesians 6:22
Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and that he might comfort your hearts.
God Bless,
Theodore Lowe and
Easter Sanders-Lowe
Lynda Jones & Family
October 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
lashawn cook
October 1, 2009
I remember everytime he would come into the house we would say Jimmy Got Soul Jimmy Got soul JImmy Jimmy Jimmy Got soul and he would just dance and laugh at us. We will always remember you forever
The Cook Girls ( lashawn, Alisha and Wanda
alisha cook
October 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.We have know JT all our life and he is like our uncle. He will truley be missed. Rest in peace in heaven until we meet again.
Love, (the cook girls) Lashawn , Alisha, Wanda
Minister Tonja Scott-Pate
October 1, 2009
May the angels of God usher your spirit into Heaven with open arms. I have met many people in my life. But, you had a special way of touching the lives of others. I thank God for meeting you on lifes journey. Your many words of encouragement brother JT will always be etched in my heart and mind. May God comfort your family and friends through this time of great, great loss to them and the Peoria community.
October 1, 2009
My main man, Big Jimbo.
So sad am I that you had to leave us so early. I will miss you. I"ll always remember all of the great times we had. I will always remember how you were my hero, my guiding light through the good and the bad times and how you, your brothers, sisters, cousins, and your mother always made me feel like a part of your wonderful family and a part of Peoria for life. And most of all, I will always remember how your teachings made a better man out of me, personally and how much you cared for your community. Peoria has lost a great man. I'll think about you everytime I watch the Bears, or a Bradley basketball game. Your nephew and his mom send their best wishes.
~ Greg Adams, Sr., Los Angeles, CA.
October 1, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Thomas/Wiley Family. Joe & Rose Banks
Tracey Nicole Evans
October 1, 2009
May God give the family STRENGTH during this difficult time of grief & transition.
October 1, 2009
JT Goodfoot..man o' man.......a person doesn't wind up with many real friends in his life..but you were to many of us. When I think of you, I dwell on the past. You were one of the BIG 4 late night radio dj's that gave Peoria a touch of local soul..You, Tony Brougham, Greg Records Adams, And Preston King were all that Black Peoria had. We would set our alarms to make sure we didn't miss the shows..We had billions of great times at Bradley..remember when..nope ..our secret. YOU created A J Petty... the cross between Richard Petty and AJ Foyt... racecar drivers .. It has stuck ever since....That's wild man...You said I couldn't DJ with my real name...I'll miss your infamous. " I heard that" and "I'm hip man".. It's really tough to think that you're gone...but we WILL all be with you..some sooner some later..waiting for the BIG MAN's return to sort this place out..Until then Jimmy Thomas.."I got my best foot foward Peoria.. Sunnyland..Pekin.....................I'm gonna miss ya buddy....Later....
A J PETTY
Jay Brenneman
October 1, 2009
My office was next doors to JT's the past few years. JT always spoke passionately about his family, friends, music and the Chicago Bears. He was a good listener and big hearted man. He was truly a good man who you could count on. I will miss seeing you everyday JT. God Bless you and your family.
Reta Williams-Doss
October 1, 2009
Family,
This has come as a real shock to me because Jimmy and I just spoke with each other at Krogers on Wednesday the 23rd. We spoke of his retirement that he'd planned in 2 yrs. God had a different plan. You're in my prayers and I trust you accept my condolences.
R. Norris Watson
October 1, 2009
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Scyrone/Denise Alcorn
October 1, 2009
Uncle just knowing you are no longer here with us is difficult to grasp. I miss you already like crazy. I have been thinking of you these last 2 days. You and I accrued a lot of history through the years (LOL). The last time we talked I told you I love you (as always). I think, I understand why people forget to take time out too smell the roses around them, we get comfortable with familiarity. My familiarity with you was you have always been there, when I need you and when I did not, so I thought, until now. I was informed you were helping baby brother with school forms to go to Florida State. I had no plans on assisting him, because it was to far from home (lol, selfish I know). Uncle I can here your rebuttal; Whelp babes or Far out (lol). No matter what part of the world I was in, when I caught a football game on somewhere, I knew you, Dad, & Uncle Roy was together or phone tagging between commercials. I knew every Monday – Thursday to stay away from the phone if Dad was not home, due to your consistent routine phone calls for the days lotto numbers. Although I often enjoyed you or Uncle T.’s call, catching D. reading her book, sleeping or watching her soap-opera’s. But what I will miss the most is you and Dad together like two peas in a pod, at times oil and vinegar in the same pod. I talked to Aunty and your baby-girl tonight. Your departure from us has caused us all to mourn our loss; it was brought to my attention even more talking to Aunty. I thanked her for taking care of the arrangements needed with baby-girl; God took Aunty through her trails with her Mother and Sis to have her prepared for this time of need.
Psalms 31:9 O' Lord have mercy on me in my anguish. My eyes are red from weeping; my health is broken from sorrow.
(Our tears clean toxins out of our bodies and do healing work. See Uncle Jimmy, its okay to cry.)
Psalms 147:3 He heals the broken heartened, binding up their wounds.
Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those that mourn, for they shall be comforted
We are a family that's been through so much pain 2008/2009. I dare not question God, Uncle, they say God gives us no more than we can bear (a human must have touched the scales). 2010 is our year for season, we have an ace card in our midst, YOU, Uncle!
We stand together through sunshine and the rain we fuss and fight but we love each other so when in trouble, down on our knees we go. We know that a family that prays together will stay together. I love you with all my heart Uncle Jimmy. You have worked with our Communities Youth for as long as I can remember. You will be sorely missed by family & friends.
Your Family Eternity;
LaMarr, LaMont, Scyrone, & Denise
Rev. John H. Lee Sr.
October 1, 2009
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2009
Rev. John H. Lee Sr.
October 1, 2009
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
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