"Coach Thomas was a great leader and he made an incredible impact on others. He will always be remembered ??"
In loving memory of
Timothy Thomas
November 5, 1949 - September 8, 2025
Timothy Wayne Thomas (1949-2025)
Fight the good fight, finish the race, keep the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Timothy Wayne Thomas passed away peacefully on September 8th, 2025 at the age of 75.
Memorial services for Tim Thomas will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, September 15, 2025, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Avenue, in Ames, with Reverend Amanda Gordon and Reverend Nikki Ross Bishop officiating.
Tim's services will be livestreamed here: https://www.youtube.com/live/moNhN66WzrI
Visitation for Tim Thomas will be held from 4:00 - 6:00 PM on Sunday, September 14, 2025, also at First United Methodist Church in Ames.
Tim, son of Joseph and Eileen Thomas, was born November 5, 1949 in Ft. Wayne, IN. He grew up in Huntertown, Indiana. He ran cross country and track and was an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Huntertown High School in 1968 and attended Tarkio College (MO) where he continued to run on the cross country and track teams, and eventually graduated with degrees in mathematics and physical education. He later earned a Master's Degree from Emporia State University (KS).
While at Tarkio, he met his dear wife Ann whom he married in May of 1971. Together they set out for Topeka, Kansas to start their teaching careers and eventually a family. Eight years later Tim and Ann moved their family to Iowa where Tim enjoyed his career teaching math and coaching at Wilton, Collins-Maxwell, Centerville, and Galva-Holstein. Galva-Holstein was lucky to have the beloved Coach Thomas for the last two decades of his career where he coached basketball, track and cross country. He developed authentic, meaningful relationships with many of his students and athletes and always enjoyed running into them and catching up post-graduation. Many of Tim's athletes were drawn to him for his passion and dedication to the sports of track and cross country, and he used that enthusiasm to coach a multitude of teams to success at both the regional and state level. In 1999 Tim became the athletic director; he retired from teaching in 2007 and retired from AD in 2009. In 2014 Tim and Ann moved to Ames. While "retired" Tim was still heavily involved in track and cross country, officiating at high schools, NCAA, Junior College, and USATF National levels.
Tim's faith in Christ was an integral part of who he was. He had a sincere and humble faith, and he lived out his faith by serving in various ways in his community. He was always active in his local church, including a prison ministry while in Holstein, and most recently serving in various roles at First United Methodist Church in Ames.
He enjoyed serving as a huddle leader and on the NW Iowa Board of Directors for Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His service also carried over to the track and cross country world. Tim was a member and served in leadership for the Iowa Association of Track Coaches (IATC), the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association (IHSADA), and the Iowa Association of Track Officials (IATO).
Tim's devotion to track and cross country earned him many accolades over the years, including the Tarkio College Athletic Hall of Fame, Laverne Kloster Service Award, and XC State Official of the Year. He was also inducted into the Hall of Fames for the IATC, IHSADA, and IATO. While his humble nature did not think he deserved the honor, he was still deeply touched when Galva-Holstein re-named their cross country meet the Tim Thomas Classic in 2010.
Tim loved sports statistics, golf, and jigsaw puzzles, and was a big fan of the New York Yankees and the Indiana Hoosiers, especially basketball. He shared his love of sports with his two sons, Josh and Aaron. One of his favorite memories was attending the New York Yankees vs Kansas City Royals game with them in 2024. He especially loved getting to coach his sons while they were in high school and later watching them run in college, continuing his tradition.
While he might be best known for his role as coach, Tim's most treasured role was grandpa. His six grandchildren were the pride and joy in his life. Tim loved being a grandpa, it brought him much joy and lots of fun memories. He enjoyed attending their various activities, playing games with them, and is remembered by them for both his encouragement and his silly sense of humor. He was thrilled that many of his grandkids have followed in the Thomas tradition of running track and cross country.
Tim is survived by his wife Ann of Ames, IA; his son Josh (Jeanne) Thomas of Asbury, IA and their children Eden, Chase, Cale, and Noelle; his son Aaron (Jenni) Thomas of Ames, IA and their kids Anna and Garrett; his sister Barb Wilson of Riverside, CA; his sister Becky (Pete) Surdenik of Lansing, MI; and his sister Betsy (Ed) Hayes of Rossville, GA; and sisters-in-law Dar Thomas of Churubusco, IN and Ann C. Thomas of Indianapolis, IN.
Tim was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Eileen Thomas; his in-laws, John and Louise McDowell; his sister Peggy Thomas; brothers Robert (Jim) Thomas and John Thomas; and a brother-in-law Jim Wilson.
In lieu of flowers and other customary remembrances, Tim's family suggests that memorial contributions may be directed to one of the following, and sent to The Family of Tim Thomas, c/o Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way, Ames, Iowa, 50010: Ames First United Methodist Church, The Track Guy Foundation, or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation.