Name: Visitation for James Allen Thomas
Start: 2021-07-05T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-07-06T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home

James Allen Thomas
PEORIA - James "Jim" Thomas passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at 7:03pm on Wednesday, June 30 at Grand View Care Center in Peoria, Illinois. He was 75.
Born in Champaign, Illinois, on September 14, 1945, Jim grew up on a farm in Foosland, Illinois — one of four brothers to Oscar and Helen Thomas. His life was marked with early tragedy, followed by many triumphs. His younger brother, Denny, died tragically in a train accident when Jimmy was only an 8th grader. Yet Jim went on to play college football at Illinois State University and become the youngest school superintendent in the state at 28. He met the love of his life, Jo Ann Sarver, during middle school in Gibson City, Illinois. They started dating in high school, married in August 1969 and raised two daughters (Tara and Sara) in Peoria. He devoted his life to educational leadership, serving as superintendent in Little America and Norwood (32 years) school districts for decades. Jim never met a stranger. He could talk to anyone—and usually did—anytime, any place and anywhere. Years after his retirement, he still enjoyed running into former students and sending two-dollar bills tucked in birthday cards to teachers who had worked for him. His devoted wife, Jo Ann, took on the role of caregiver this past year after Jim was diagnosed with dementia. She never left his side. Jim's best friend Ray LaHood was like a brother to him. They would talk daily if they weren't doing favorite activities like working out, going to a Bradley game or hitting the links. Jim and Jo loved to travel, and were grateful to visit places all over the globe after they retired. Two favorite trips include Spain and Tahiti. In recent years, Jim relished being back in the classroom as an acting administrator and substitute teacher. He also took much pleasure in watching his athletic grandchildren compete in multiple sports. Jim is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; his two daughters, Tara (Dave) Gettman of Waterloo, Iowa and Sara (Will) Ratliff of Peoria, Illinois; four grandchildren (Charlotte Gettman-15, Thomas Gettman-12, Liam Ratliff-11 and Ava Ratliff-8); and two brothers, Dick (Bonnie) Thomas of Bement, Illinois, and Pete (Denise) Thomas of Lexington, South Carolina. Special thanks to Dr. Tom Kouri, Dr. Jaya Attaluri and the angels on earth at Grand View. "I love you and I always will and even after then."
Cremation rites have been accorded and there will be a memorial visitation on Monday, July 5, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home in Peoria. A celebration of Jim's life will be Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 10 a.m. at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Peoria Chapter.
You may view Jim's obituary online at www.woolsey-wilton.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Peoria Journal Star from Jul. 1 to Jul. 3, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for James Thomas

Sponsored by Davison-Fulton-Woolsey-Wilton Funeral Home.

9 Entries

Alison Martin

June 25, 2024

Dear Jo Ann and family. I think Jim would love the memories you all are still making together as a family. Your girls are accomplished women and the Grandchildren seem talented as well. I follow your family through Social Media, but I think he would be incredibly proud. The very best wishes to you all. Hoping great memories of Jim, bring you happiness.
Sincerely,
Alison Martin

Neil Williams

June 25, 2024

I remember Jim well. We had a lot of good times togethrr while he was at Prichard Clark. He knew no strangers.

Gary Sherwood

July 11, 2021

I was the junior high basketball coach in Lewistown when Jim coached basketball at Little America. Jim had no gym in Little America so he used the gym in Lewistown . It was always a pleasure to be around Jim.

Alison Martin

July 7, 2021

I am so sad to learn of Jim´s passing. I treasure the years I worked for Jim in the Norwood School district. He was a wonderful Superintendent and an even better mentor and friend. He empowered me to be the best educator/ administrator possible. I send hugs, love and condolences to all the family, especially Jo Ann.

Neil Williams

July 5, 2021

Sorry to hear of Jim's passing.
I have many fond memories from his time at Prichard Clark while I was Supt. at St. David.

Thomas Thomas

July 4, 2021

When I arrived in Peoria one of the fist people I met was Jim Thomas . During my years there Jim and I did many things together we jogged early many mornings with Tim Elder Les Johnson and Ray Lahood. Each morning was a great adventure with Jim and our many golfing rounds special indeed. He was a fine gentleman and the times Lynn and I spent with he and Joann are filled with so many positive memories. I am sure the Lord welcomed him with open arms and said job well done Jim. Lynn and I wanted to express our deepest condolences to his great family Tom t

David M Bozarth

July 2, 2021

We're so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing and offer our most sincere sympathies and condolences to his family.

Diana Jarbo

July 2, 2021

Jim worked with my husband George and myself 12 years on the schoolboard. He had a good heart he treated my children right just a good man. And I know now he´s in the good Lord´s hands. Peace to you all amen.

Kerry Leiby

July 2, 2021

My deepest condolences to JoAnn and the Thomas family members. Jim was always a very engaging individual and fun to talk to about anything in general. I hope you find comfort in his memories during this difficult time.

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