Mr. James Wilson Thomas' Obituary
THOMAS, JAMES WILSON passed away Monday, November 12, 2012 in Dallas,Texas at the age of 73. He was born August 22, 1939 in Aubrey, Texas. James is survived by his wife of 55 years, Delores; daughter, Patricia Denise Thomas; grandson, Nathaniel Joel Brodersen; sister, Pearl Wilson; and, 12 nieces and nephews. James lived an extraordinary life in his 73 years we were blessed to have him. He was raised on USDA working dairy farm which was located on over 200 plus acres of land in the community of Springhill, Tx. James was the youngest of 7 children born by Chester and Letrus Thomas. James was taught at an early age the meaning of hard work, determination, and love for his God and Country. He was stricken with polio at a very young age, was left side affected; and, as he aged with Post Polio Syndrome James suffered a great deal. James and his wife off 55 years were married young. Shortly after beginning their life as a newly married couple James entered the United States Marine Corps and they moved to Oceanside California for boot camp. The stories James would tell of this period in his and Delores’s life were near and dear to his heart. After an honorable discharge from USMC, they returned to Aubrey where they purchased a home to be moved to the “home-place” acreage he grew up on next to the “Rock House” loving referred to as home. The rock house on the farm remained the central location where his parents, siblings; and, many relatives and friends gathered prior to Chester and Letrus’s move to Colorado where they retired. James and Delores welcomed their only child, daughter, Denise in September of 1960. During James’s life he worked and owned a variety of businesses which include: Cabell Milk as a delivery man at the time milk was delivered to homes in glass containers. Truck Driving big 18 wheeler trucks remained a favorite, Acme Brick Company in Denton Texas. James’s first entrepreneurial experience began in Denton building custom homes with the formation of the company called Delcar. Delcar’s name derived of the first three letters “del” Delores his wife; and “car” the first thee letters of one of the partners wife’s name Carol. Thus began many years building custom homes throughout Denton, Sherman, the surrounding counties and eventually the Dallas Ft. Worth Metropolis area. James’s many ventures included operating Alpha Road Properties in Dallas where several independent business owners were provided office space leasing, receptionist and secretarial services. James also operated a trucking company and employed truck drivers, which consisted of a shop and 18 wheel trucks. James and a myriad of business partners opened Snyder Brick & Tile a full functioning Brick Plant located in Snyder Texas on a very cold & blustery day in the early to 1990’s until very recently. Soon after the formation of Claystone & Brick was formed with a uniquely formulated stone product made from clay. This product continues to sold to homebuilders and homeowners alike. Throughout James’s life he was plagued with a multitude of health issues. One such health condition led him, Delores and Denise to The Scott & White specialty hospital in Temple Texas. It was here they learned of an electrical conduction problem within his heart and a low blood sugar condition which remained a serious problem throughout his life. Needless to say James never let any of his health concerns stop or hinder any business or personal goals to the very end. Many could say James was a very determined man. Throughout his life one of his many unique qualities was he never NOT one time ever lost sight & remained steadfast in his priorities to God first, Delores his wife second and his daughter Denise third. This quality was evident in his last days when he stated he needed to be released from the hospital for a few days to make sure “all” was in order as he wanted for his surviving wife and daughter. Delores remained steadfast in making sure James was as healthy and personally cared for as humanly possible throughout their marriage of 55 years at many times at the expense of her own myriad of health concerns. Many have commented over the years how her love for her high school sweetheart was clearly remarkable. James had a heart of gold and was a man who cared and loved others deeply. Over the years he mentored many within his family and the community. He was passionate about many charities and gave abundantly. Two charities that remained near and dear to him were Samaritans Purse (Billy Graham Evangelical Association); and, The National Multiple Sclerosis Society. Denise their daughter was diagnosed several years ago. His unwavering and never-ending, support to Denise was remarkable. No matter what anyone thought or dared to speak in regards to his love and support of his daughter Denise it mattered not. For this, Denise remains forever grateful. James’s health significantly began to decline in October and early November this year. Delores drove him to a follow up doctors appointment (unheard of as James never let anyone drive him anywhere!). He was hospitalized that very day. This began an ever increasingly serious turn of events which changed daily by the hour. Many scans, tests, biopsy with “stains” and daily labs revealed cancer that had metastasized to his liver originating from an area that was unknown until James was to weak & ill no treatment could be of help. This news with the daily & hourly decline was devastating to Delores who never left his side; and, daughter Denise. James suffered enormously and in excruciating pain his last days and hours here on earth. Tho he fought a good fight until the end we are shocked & deeply saddened by our loss. The week plus a few days this transpired was so quick: and ill prepared for it has taken a great toll on us. Delores and Denise take comfort in knowing he resides in Heaven & his suffering has ended. God is in control as always as we begin the unwanted journey that lies before us. Your prayers are a blessing to us. Please take the time to add you’re personal pictures and life stories to this “forever remaining tribute” to James Wilson Thomas. Feel free to email Delores and Denise with any changes or corrections to this online obituary provided (remembered & typed primarily by Denise). Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at Restland Funeral Home. Service will be 12:00 PM Friday, November 16, 2012 at Restland Abbey Chapel. Please click on the next tab for details & a map.
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