Obituary for Colombia RPCV James W. Thomas



He graduated from high school in Oakdale and went on to serve in the Peace Corps in Colombia. Jim is remembered by all who knew him as a man of few words. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, whether it was moving equipment for a gymnastics meet, painting sets for plays, or going on stage as a pageant dad. He never complained about doing any ridiculous thing that the women in his life asked of him. He was a wonderful father, husband and friend. The real Jim left us several years ago, and he has been greatly missed by us all.

Obituary for Colombia RPCV James W. Thomas

James W. Thomas
Teacher

Jim Thomas, age 64, died Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006, after a short illness.

Jim was born Jan. 29, 1942, in Modesto.

He graduated from high school in Oakdale and went on to serve in the Peace Corps in Colombia. He returned to the Fresno area and received a bachelor's degree at California State University, Fresno. Jim taught in Visalia for 34 years at Goshen, Packwood and Houston elementary schools. He retired in 2002 after being diagnosed with Alzheimer's.

Jim is remembered by all who knew him as a man of few words. He never hesitated to lend a helping hand, whether it was moving equipment for a gymnastics meet, painting sets for plays, or going on stage as a pageant dad.

He never complained about doing any ridiculous thing that the women in his life asked of him. He was a wonderful father, husband and friend. The real Jim left us several years ago, and he has been greatly missed by us all.

Jim is survived by his wife, Cheryl Thomas; his daughters, Kerry Thomas and Erin Burchett and her husband, Michael Burchett Jr.; and his granddaughter, Madeline Burchett. He also leaves behind his in-laws, Bernadette and Cliff Van Divner; sister Lois Innes; brothers Gary and Donald Thomas; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 2-6 p.m. Friday at Salser and Dillard Funeral Chapel, Visalia.

A rosary will be prayed at 6 p.m. Friday at the funeral chapel. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, also at the funeral chapel.

Originally published December 30, 2006

Links to Related Topics (Tags):

Headlines: December, 2006; Peace Corps Colombia; Directory of Colombia RPCVs; Messages and Announcements for Colombia RPCVs; Obituaries

When this story was posted in January 2007, this was on the front page of PCOL:




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