James B Thomas' Obituary
James B Thomas, age 89, passed from this life Monday, August 5, 2024 in Owasso, Oklahoma. James was born October 30, 1934 to Giles Porter “B” Thomas and Bertha Ketner Thomas. Newcastle, Oklahoma was his hometown. He was an alumnus of Newcastle High School and Oklahoma State University.
James was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ann Carter Thomas, on January 14, 2024. The high school sweethearts were married almost 70 years. They leave an amazing legacy of love and commitment for all who knew them.
Family and friends will remember him as a humble, respected man who loved God and others, focused on service, and possessed great depth of character and steadfast integrity. He served faithfully as a Baptist deacon and was an active member of the Lions Club, each for 50 years. He enjoyed coaching summer league baseball, umpiring baseball and softball games, and watching as many baseball games as possible, especially those his kids and grandkids played, coached or watched with him.
James is remembered professionally for his stellar career as an OSU Extension Agent and 4-H director. His passion and infectious enthusiasm inspired numerous 4-H judging teams to win state and national championships. He was an excellent teacher, coach, and motivator who encouraged young people to fulfill their potential. His self-description was always “public servant.”
Survivors include his children, Gary (Jan) Thomas of Tulsa, Larry (Tammy) Thomas of Tulsa, and Kay (Kevin) Burney of Louisville, Kentucky. James and Ann thoroughly enjoyed their seven grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. James is also survived by his brothers R.T. “Bob” (Carol) Thomas of Tulsa, and Charles “Chuck” (Ginger) Thomas of Oklahoma City.
Visitation will be on Monday, August 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm at Floral Haven Funeral Home, 6500 South 129th E Ave in Broken Arrow, OK. The funeral will be at 10:00 am Tuesday, August 13, also at Floral Haven Chapel.
Donations in memory of James may be made to: Harvard Avenue Baptist Church (3235 E 17th Street, Tulsa, OK 74104, (918)744-9772) or Oklahoma 4-H Foundation (505 Agriculture Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078,
(405)744-5390)
You may watch James's service by clicking on the attached link https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/103557
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