James “Jim” Earl Thomas passed away September 9, 2019, at the age of 80 from complications due to cancer treatment.  He was born on July 18, 1939, in Dallas to Earl Clement Thomas and Mildred Ruth (Lewis) Thomas.  The son of a geophysicist and a schoolteacher, he grew up in Texas and Louisiana before returning to Dallas.  In his youth, Jim became interest in the United States military, building model airplanes and watch World War II movies.

After graduating from Hillcrest High School in Dallas, Jim attend Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, where he earned a degree in business.  Continuing his love of airplanes, he joined the Air Force ROTC at TCU and was the Deputy Commander of their drill team.  Jim also joined the Arnold Air Society and the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity.  He was designated a Golden Frog as a senior alumnus who graduated in the late 70’s and earlier.

Following college, he married Carol Kahn on May 1, 1970, in Dallas.  Jim held a long career in healthcare management and also worked for the State of Texas.  An avid fan of the TCU Horned Frogs, aviation, trains, and classic cars, he loved celebrating holidays with family and was a member of Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 49 years, Carol; son, Jeffrey Thomas and wife, Laurel; grandson, Mason; sister, Sue Larson and husband, Bob; nephews, Scott, Chris, and Andrew; brother-in-law, Julian “Dude” Kahn; sister-in-law, Kristie Scarbrough and husband, Gary; nephew, Michael Scarbrough and wife, Erin; and many cousins, other loving family members, and friends.

Jim’s ashes were laid to rest at the Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church columbarium on September 24, 2019.