James A. Thomas

James A. Thomas, 76, tragically left us while protecting his daughter, April 27, 2022, in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.  He was born January 26, 1946, In Marion, Ohio, a son of Adelbert and Helen (Lee) Thomas, who predeceased him.

Jim graduated from Upper Sandusky High School with the class of 1964 and then received a Certificate of Drafting and Design and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Tri State University.  He worked at the General Motors Powertrain Foundry, Defiance plant for 34 years, retiring in October, 2003, at the age of 57.
  
He enjoyed throughout his life golfing, running - participating in numerous 5K, 10K, half and full marathons, and triathlons; participating at the YMCA in numerous activities; camping; hiking and long trips with his buddies; following and helping with the family’s favorite sprint car racer, Donny; playing cards every weekend with family friends; bowling; scuba diving (especially with both of his daughters); volunteered at the Toledo Zoo diving in and cleaning fish tanks; caring for his pool and hot tub as well as helping friends with theirs while persuading them to do saltwater and his most favorite activity - walking his dogs and granddogs in the woods and at the beach.

Jim was a life member of the Defiance VFW Post #3360, and was the Quartermaster up to his death.  He was a Vietnam veteran, serving with the U.S. Army. His favorite pastime was traveling to Myrtle Beach to visit his family and being able to play catch with Jack, who was his absolute pride and joy, and looked so forward to watching him play all of his favorite sports!  Of course, the beach always called his name.

Surviving Jim are his wife of 53 years, Linda, his daughters Christine Thomas of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Dawn (Rich) Konopka of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; one grandson, Jack Thomas Konopka; two brothers Joe (Julie) Thomas and Jerry (Marsha) Thomas, all of Upper Sandusky, Ohio; one sister, the late Barb (Keith) McKee of Forest, Ohio, Sister-in-laws, Sandy (Bernie) Niederkohr, Upper Sandusky, and Debb (the late David) Hines both of Upper Sandusky and Texas; numerous nieces, nephews and greats and his  best friends Aubrey and Marlin, along with his granddogs Buoy and Conner.

Jim, better known as “Jimbo” to his family and friends, was known as a loyal friend to many, and to his family he was an absolute hero!!

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 22, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Schaffer Funeral Home South - Lawson/Roessner Chapel (1753 S. Clinton Street) in Defiance. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 23rd at 11:00 AM at the funeral home. 
 
Donations are totally unnecessary, but the family encourages all to donate blood to your local chapter of the American Red Cross as this was also a must in Jim’s life, donating 51 units over the past years.  Also deserving of consideration would be the VFW Post #3360, Camp Lakota Boy Scout Camp, Defiance County Humane Society and the DHS Athletic Department. 

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