James H. Thomas

Age 85, of Elmira, NY, received his greatest reward of eternal life when he took the hand of Jesus Monday, April 10, 2006 with his family by his side. He was born March 29, 1921 in Nanticoke, PA the son of the late William and Sue Mae (Crawford) Thomas. His brothers, Ivor and William; sister, Anne; and grandson, Ryan predeceased him. James is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, S. Virginia (McCallum) Thomas; daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and Roy Slusser of Pine City, NY; son and daughter-in-law, James and Mary Thomas of Horseheads, NY; grandsons, Craig (Karen) Slusser, Shaun Slusser; great grandchildren, Bryan, Amanda and Jonathon Slusser; brother, Eugene (Dorothy) Thomas of Binghamton, NY; sister, Betty Richards of Pine City, NY. Jim, as he was affectionately known, was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He was a faithful prayer warrior who wasn?t ashamed to profess his faith in Jesus Christ even in his closing hours. He was a past Elder and Trustee of the North Presbyterian Church, former Sunday School Teacher of the Epworth United Methodist Church and faithful member of the Maranatha Bible Chapel where he was very active with the Choir and Worship Team. In his earlier years, Jim was greatly involved with the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts. For several years he worked at Woolworth?s, Markson?s and later retired from the Elmira Star Gazette as a Sales Representative. After his retirement he worked for the S & S Company until April 2005. Jim was a very proud Veteran of WW II serving as Sergeant in the US Army European Theater. Family and friends will celebrate Jim?s life and honor his memory on Saturday, April 15, 2006 at the Maranatha Bible Chapel, 774 Sing Sing Road, Horseheads, NY at 11:00 AM. His pastor and friend, the Reverend Daniel Miller will officiate. The Chemung County Veterans Honor Squad will accord Mr. Thomas full Military Honors at the conclusion of his memorial service. Interment will take place in the Woodlawn National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to Southern Tier Hospice, 11751 East Corning Road, Corning, NY 14830 in Jim?s memory. The Thomas family expresses their sincere thanks and gratitude for the kindness, love and support given to them and their beloved Jim during this difficult time. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc. 1050 Pennsylvania Ave. Elmira, NY 14904. A ?Candle of Remembrance? may be left for Jim?s family in obituaries at www.olthof.com