James D. Thomas

James D. Thomas, 96, of Belleville, Illinois, born Saturday, February 5, 1916, in Bardwell, KY, died Friday, April 20, 2012 at St. Paul's Home in Belleville, Illinois.

James worked as a painting contractor for Jim Thomas Painting Company. He was a member of Westview Baptist Church in Swansea Illinois, International Brotherhood Painters and Allied Trade Union Local #85 and he was a United States World War II Navy Veteran.

He was preceded in death by his:

  • Wife: Ella V. nee Derr Thomas
  • Parents: Grover C. and Mishel E. nee Hunt Thomas
  • Sister: Roberta Tyson
  • Brothers
    • Robert Thomas
    • Roy Thomas
  • Grandson: Timothy Jones


Surviving are his:

  • Children
    • Sharon (Gary) Jones of East Carondelet, IL
    • Greg (Linda) Thomas of O Fallon, IL
    • Sheila (Phillip) James of Shiloh, IL
  • Brother: Ray Thomas of Fairview Heights, IL
  • Grandchildren
    • Thomas W. (Tracy L.) Jones
    • Tamalyn Jones
    • Teresa (Fuad) Azman
    • Lee Ann Gemmingen
    • Scott (Colleen) Thomas
    • Matthew James
  • Great-Grandchildren
    • Sarah Ruder
    • Amanda Hoffmann
    • Blake Jones
    • Khaled Azman
    • Hannah Azman
    • Rayan Azman
    • Katherine Gemmingen
    • Kristoph Gemmingen
    • Finnegan Thomas
    • Brennan Thomas
  • Great-Great Grandchildren
    • Willa Ruder
    • Lynleigh Ruder
  • Nieces and Nephews


Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Westview Baptist Church

Visitation:  Friends may call from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday, April 22, 2012 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, Illinois and from 10:00 am - 11:00 am,  at Westview Baptist Church in Swansea, Illinois.

Funeral:  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Monday, April 23, 2012 at Westview Baptist Church in Swansea, IL, with Rev. Greg Sutter and REv. Jim Robinson officiating.  Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.

Condolences left for James D. Thomas:

    Dear Greg and Family,

    Please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. It is obvious from his years that he lived a full life. It is my wish that the warm, happy memories you shared with Jim will sustain you through this sad time. You will be in my prayers. I wish I could have been there in person, but other commitments will keep me in Springfield.

    Mary Goepfert Springfield Illinois 62711

    My deepest sympathy and condolences for the loss of your father, grandfather, & great-grandfather. He was a wonder man and i know you will all miss him greatly.

    LINDA DILTHEY ST. LOUIS MO 63128

    Dear Butch and family, So sorry to hear about your dad he was a Great man.He will be missed,may you all find strenght and comfort in knowing hes in a better place

    Kenneth Burkett Dunedin fLORIDA 34698