Obituary of James Thomas

James Whitney Thomas Loving Husband and father, passed away at Provena Saint Joseph Medical Center at 3:41 a.m. on Sunday July 11, 2010 with his family and friends at his side following complications from multiple illnesses. Preceded in death by his parents, Cleo Whitney "C.W." and Catharine (Williams) Thomas; one brother, William Thomas; sisters, Ruth and Betty (Rood) Thomas; infant son, Robert E. Thomas (1967) and his granddaughter, Sarah Marie Thomas (2009). Survived by his wife of 59 years, Donna J. (Van Slyke) Thomas of Joliet; son, William Thomas, and his wife Karen and son Christopher all of Joliet; one daughter, Barbara J. (Thomas) Gans, her husband Dave, their daughter Kayla and sons David "D.J." and Kyle all of Orlando, FL; his dearest family friends, Trudy and Gary McRaven, Jody, Jason and Jake Tanty. James attended Farragut Grade School, Joliet Township High School, Joliet Junior College and Walton School of Commerce in Chicago where he received his BSA. James was a sergeant in the U.S. Army serving in Korea as an accountant from 1950 through 1952. He was employed by Marsh Shoes in Joliet, American Steel and Wire Co. in Joliet and retired in 1990 from Servicemaster Corp. in Downers Grove, Il as an accountant. James loved to travel with Donna on many cruises and trips to different ports around the world. He also enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and his children's dogs. James also enjoyed playing the slot machines at the casinos. At his request, cremation rights have been accorded. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of James Thomas to PAWS Animal Shelter, 8301 W. 191st Street, Tinley Park, IL. 60477. Family will receive friends and relatives on Wednesday July 14, 2010 from 4:00p.m. until the Memorial Service begins at 7:00 p.m. at: FRED C. DAMES FUNERAL HOME 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet For Information: (815) 741-5500