James Jenkins Thomas, 16 September, 1904

JAMES J. THOMAS

James J. Thomas was born September 16, 1904 at Samaria, Idaho to James B. and Ann Jenkins Thomas. He died September 20, 1991 in St. George, Utah.

He married Dorothy Brown in 1930, she died in 1974.

James was well liked by all who knew him and worked with him because of his sense of humor.

He graduated from Samaria eighth grade, Malad High School and Albion State Normal School to become a teacher. He also attended a National Electronic and Auto Mechanics school in California.

He taught school in Grace, Mountain Home and Boise, Idaho. He was principal in the Boise Schools. He also worked for the Forest Service near Couer d’Alene in the summers.

During World War Ii, James, or “Jim” as he was known by, worked in the shipyards in Seattle as a foreman and supervisor. He was drafted from his teaching job and assigned to the shipyards to supervise maintenance of the big battle ships.

After the war he went back to teaching in the automotive department of a college in Seattle. He not only taught mechanics but English and bookkeeping to “the boys” as he called the students.

Jim loved the ocean and fishing. He was intrigued with airplanes. Before he even saw an airplane, he cut one out of tin, took a picture of it, then developed the picture. He tried to fly once with goose feathers and nearly killed himself. Jim was a fellow who could do most anything he put his mind to – even sew.

He designed the “M” on the mountain northeast of Malad while he was in High School.

Jim is survived by four sisters: Eleanor J. Alley, Salt Lake City, UT; Mary W. Zundel, Malad, ID; Jennie R. King, Seattle, WA; Ruth Hoyos, Boca Raton, FL; two sisters in law: Ardelle P. Thomas, Malad, ID and Pauline Thomas, Scottsdale, AZ; one step daughter, Nancy Jo Cook, Seattle, WA; five grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and two brothers: Jess J. Thomas and Earl J. Thomas.

IN LOVING MEMORY OF JAMES JENKINS THOMAS
Born September 16, 1904 in Samaria, Idaho
Died September 20, 1991 in St. George, Utah.
Graveside services held September 25, 1991 at the Samaria Cemetery with Bishop Rex Robbins officiating.

Invocation – Alvin Williams
Like Sketch – Ardelle P. Thomas
Vocal Duet – Christy Oja and Jill Blaisdell
Remarks – David D. Zundel
Remarks – Bishop Rex Robbins
Vocal Duet – Christy Oja and Jill Blaisdell
Benediction and dedicatory prayer – Bishop Max King

Casket Bearers: Dick Zundel, Tom Zundel, David D. Zundel, Alvin Williams, John Roderick and Max King.