James H. Thomas, 80 years of age, passed away at Mercy hospital Oklahoma City, Ok on 01-13-2022.
Jim was born 11-8-1941 in Quenemo Kansas. At the age of two he was adopted by his parents Aaron Edward Thomas and Fannie Henrietta Schneider Thomas of Palco, Kansas. He graduated from Palco High School in 1958. He married Shirley (Fischer) Thomas on June 11, 1960, they Lived in Palco, farmed, and owned a little motel that he and his father built on Hwy 18 in Palco. In 1978, the family moved to Manhattan, KS to pursue a life in Ranching. That is when he became involved in the Gelbvieh Cattle breed and started an interesting life of livestock shows, cattle sales and just being a rancher. He loved being involved in the business side of the ranch. He had many irons in the fire at all times. In the 80’s, he was Vice President of the Gelbvieh Association, also had an ownership in Golden Cattle Sales that took him all over the U.S. selling Gelbvieh Cattle for individual ranchers. All along having a herd of Gelbvieh’s at home to take care of. Which involved a couple of college animal science students who would do chores when his was away, most of them are still dear friends.
He always had an involvement with motorcycles throughout his life. In his early years, he participated in motor cross racing. Even after several accidents, he still had to have his bike. Bike trips were enjoyed with his buddies all over the United States. He enjoyed the scenery and the comradery. Other hobbies were hunting and fishing trips with his good friends. Good memories were made with those friends who were dear to his heart.
In his late 40’s he returned to College and received his Bachelor of Animal Science. From there he worked in Fowler, Ks as the feed mill manager. He retired and moved to Guthrie Oklahoma in the early 90’s to be closer to family where he drove a school bus for the Guthrie public schools to stay busy. Living closer to family, he enjoyed time attending livestock shows and sales, to watch his granddaughters and great grandchildren show their animals. He was so proud of them. He loved being Papa Jim.
He touched so many lives in his lifetime, some good, some bad, buts that’s life. He wouldn’t have had it any other way. He lived a full life.
Left to cherish his memories is his Daughter Hiedi LaBrue and husband David of Cookson, OK. Granddaughters: Audrey McDaniel and husband Buck, Lahoma, Ok, Caitlin Merriott, Pond Creek Ok. Great Grandchildren: Hadlee, Brody, Georgia, and Maddie. And his dearest friend Virginia Potter of Shawnee, Ok
Life Celebration will be at 1 pm Saturday February 12th, 2022, at the First Presbyterian Church, 102 E. Noble, Guthrie, Ok 73044, in the Family Life Center behind the church.
