James Bently Thomas, Jr., age 69 of Bridgeport, Alabama, passed away on Saturday, January 20, 2024 in Chattanooga, TN. Jimmy is survived by his wife, Janet Grider Thomas; son, Bently (Kerri) Thomas; daughter, Janna Shea Thomas; grandchildren, James and Caroline Thomas; sisters, Sara (John) Gentry and LeLe (Bill) McCollum; sister-in-law, Mary Miles Grider; brother-in-law, Doyle Grider; sister and brother-in-law, Sam and Debbie Durham; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his parents, Jim B. and Betty Ann Jacobs Thomas; and a brother-in-law, Marion Grider.
Mr. Thomas was a member of the Rocky Springs Church of Christ.
Coach Jimmy Thomas graduated from St. Andrew’s School in 1972 where he played football, basketball, golf, and baseball. He was named to the All Duck River Conference football team his junior and senior year. After graduation he went on to attend the University of the South in Sewanee, TN where he played football from 1972-1976 while earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. Coach Thomas began his teaching/coaching career at Sequatchie County High School in 1977 as an assistant football coach before moving on to Bridgeport High School in 1978 and was named Jackson County Coach of the year in 1980 as Head Coach of Bridgeport High School and Sequatchie Valley Conference Coach of the year in 1982. In 1998 Coach Thomas became the Offensive Coordinator of the newly formed North Jackson High School where he taught Alabama History, winning the 1993 4A State Football Championship. Beginning in 2001 he began to volunteer as an assistant football coach for South Pittsburg High School where he remained until his passing, helping the Pirate program to win several championships.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 from 12-3:00 at Rudder Funeral Home in Bridgeport and memorial service to follow beginning at 3:00PM with Barry Grider officiating.
