James Ebert “Jim” Thomas, 75, of Paris passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Paris Regional Medical Center.
Jim was born January 28, 1944 to Ebert and Lorena Thomas in Quanah, Texas. He was raised in Chillicothe, Texas where he attended school. Upon graduation, Jim attended East Texas State University in Commerce, TX where he majored in business and was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
He met his wife, Barbara O’Connor Thomas, while attending college. They were married on January 29, 1966 in Petty, TX and recently celebrated their 53rd wedding anniversary. The couple moved to Paris, where Jim became Vice President of Financial Affairs at Paris Junior College. In 1981, Jim became an owner of Office Equipment Center in Paris. He was a well-respected member of the Paris business community until his retirement in December 2014.
He was a member of the Paris Jaycees, Paris Lions Club, and Paris Optimists. He also maintained a lifelong association with the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Jim was a member of Calvary United Methodist Church for more than 40 years.
Jim was a fun-loving guy who never met a stranger. He loved to tell jokes, stories, and was master of trivia. He always had a smile on his face and was ready to entertain. He was avidly involved in his grandchildren’s band activities. He loved to travel, learn new things, and drive his 1962 Corvette.
In celebration of the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary, Jim and Barbara were honored with a trip to Dubai, UAE by former Arab students from Paris Junior College with whom he had maintained life-long friendships.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ebert and Lorena Thomas; mother and father-in-law Fay and John O’Connor of Petty; and his sister, Janette Thomas Hunt of Grand Prairie, TX.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara; his daughter Rachel and husband Brian Reese of Forney, TX; his son Brandon and wife Cheylanne Thomas of Reno; granddaughters Robin and Brenna Reese, Bailee Browning; grandson Jacob Thomas; great-grandson Carver Browning; sister Laura Jane Haynes of Vernon, TX; and several nephews.
The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 26 at Fry-Gibbs Funeral Home. Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27 at Calvary United Methodist Church with Rev. Tim Marks and Rev. Beverly Olsen officiating. He will be available for viewing one hour prior to services. Graveside services and burial will follow at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Petty, TX.
