James Edward Thomas passed away on March 20, 2025. James was a loving husband and father, and a wonderful grandfather. James was a graduate of Athens High School and Marion Military Institute. Upon graduation from Marion, James was commissioned as an officer in the Alabama National Guard.
James had a lifelong love of horses and other animals and ran a beautiful farm that provided him and his family with much joy and happy memories over the years. James and his wife Mary owned and ran Thomas Pit BBQ, a staple in the Monrovia community for over 44 years. James was a believer in Jesus Christ and a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
James is survived by his daughters, Susan Thomas Miller (Patrick) and Sally Thomas Hilliard; his granddaughters, Judith Adeline Miller and Mary O’Neal Miller; his sisters, Marie Rich (Jimmy) and Juanita Turpin; a brother in-law Louis Vaughn (Pat), and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.
James was preceded in death by his loving wife of 62 years, Mary Vaughn Thomas; his parents, Isaac and Georgia Thomas; and his sisters, Janie Lambert and Inez Lester.
Visitation will be at 11:00 am, Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Mount Zion Baptist Church in Monrovia followed by the funeral service at 12:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice.
