"We loved Jim! Such a positive and funny man! He was a great wrestling fan and just a kind person. Mary & Bryan Poulter "
In loving memory of
James R. Thomas
April 12, 1924 - July 18, 2017
James R. Thomas, age 93 of Colfax, passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2017, at Skiff Medical Center in Newton. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the Colfax United Methodist Church. Burial will take place at Colfax Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday, July 21, 2017, at Coburn Funeral Home from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Memorials may be directed to the James R. Thomas Memorial Fund and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com
The son of Arthur Garfield and Mary Jane (Pratt) Thomas, Jim was born on April 12, 1924, in Colfax, Iowa. He graduated from Colfax High School. Jim proudly served in the United States Navy. He was united in marriage to Helen L. Darr in 1951. Jim worked at the Monroe Table Company for over 40 years. He was a member of the Colfax United Methodist Church and the Mason's. He was a skilled woodworker, enjoyed fishing and dogs, but his greatest enjoyment came from spending time with his grandchildren at their activities.
Those left to honor his memory include his daughter, Nancy Holdefer of Colfax; a son, Randy Thomas of Mt. Pleasant; and three grandchildren, Jeremy Holdefer, Jonathon "Bubba" Holdefer and Cole Thomas. Preceding Jim in death were his parents, wife, Helen; siblings, Arthur, Dave, Gomer, Phyllis, Gladys, Philip, Amelia, Dorothy and Bill and a son-in-law, Ronald Holdefer.
Tributes
"Nancy, just want you to know that I thought your dad (and your mom before she passed) were such special people. I never remember seeing either of them without a smile. Our sympathy and prayers are with you and your family. Mel and Karen Pierce"
"The Palmer's will miss Jim's smile and always uplifting greeting when passing thru the Park Centre Nursing home. A gentleman with a wonderful personality and positive outlook! Thank you sailor Jim for being a great distant friend! RIP good friend, you earned it! Dick & Connie"
"Nancy, I'm so sorry to read of your dad's passing! Sending prayers to you. Nancy Jones"
"Randy, Nancy and boys, Who didn't think the world of your dad/grandpa, he was a true Colfax icon! Sending my sincere sympathy and love. "
"I am saddened to hear of Jimmy's passing. He was one of the finest men I have ever known, and was certainly one of most loyal wrestling fans. My sincere condolences to the family."
"Nancy's sending prayers and condolences to you and your family. Whenever I saw your dad he always had a smile on his face. I'm sure you have some lovely memories of him"
"Prayers to you . My buddy is now at peace "
"Jim always had a Big Smile and such a kind fellow!! We so enjoyed being his neighbor and chatting back and forth? May God's Peace be with your family Jim, You will be missed?"