JAMES EARL THOMAS, JR.

James Earl Thomas, Jr. was born and raised 31 Oct 1931, in Jackson Mississippi. The loving son of James Earl Thomas, Sr. and Eula Mae (Adams) Thomas. James Earl gained a relationship with God at an early age. He attended elementary school under the leadership of Mary C. Jones.

James graduated from Lanier High School at age 16 in Jackson and went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi. He received his Master’s degree in the early 90’s, where he studied business and music education. After high school he started a local music group called the Jimmy Thomas combo.

James enlisted in the U.S. Air Force 30 July 1952, where he served 30 years. After he retired from the Air Force he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as an officer until his retirement.

James was united in Holy Matrimony on 2 Dec 1959, to Dora Jimenez Golan (Ms. Dee). He immediately stepped into the role of father to her daughter Janie and later son Donald Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was a brilliant and talented musician and educator. He played several instruments professionally; however, piano was his passion. From Oct 1982 to May 2003 he taught music at various Moreno Valley Unified School District schools.

James enjoyed playing dominos, cards and outdoor games such as crochet. He loved his newspaper staying up-to-date on local, national, and foreign affairs.

James was preceded in death by his parents James and Eula Mae Thomas Sr., siblings Annie Ruth, Edgar Lee, Lawrence Jones, Connie Belinda, and Gregory Thomas.

He leaves behind his beloved wife Dora Jimenez Thomas; daughter, Janie Thomas and life partner Charles Reed; son Donald and wife Deanne Thomas; brothers, Glen and Alfred Thomas; 6 grandchildren, Marcus and wife Teri Bivens; Kyle and wife Meagan Griego; Gina and husband Algin Anderson; Justin and wife Catherine Thomas; Steven Thomas; Sarah Thomas and life partner Daniel Green; 10 great grandsons, Kameryn, Kaiden, Kenneth II, Jayden, James Earl Thomas (JET) Bivens, Ace, Kohl, Emmett,
Johnathon, Wyatt; and 6 great granddaughters, Serenity, Kalleigh, Averie, Kyle Jr-(Ky), Falynn, and
Autumn.ames Earl Thomas, Jr. was born and raised 31 Oct 1931, in Jackson Mississippi. The loving son of James
Earl Thomas, Sr. and Eula Mae (Adams) Thomas. James Earl gained a relationship with God at an early
age. He attended elementary school under the leadership of Mary C. Jones.
James graduated from Lanier High School at age 16 in Jackson and went on to receive his Bachelor’s
degree from Tougaloo College in Tougaloo, Mississippi. He received his Master’s degree in the early
90’s, where he studied business and music education. After high school he started a local music group
called the Jimmy Thomas combo.
James enlisted in the U.S. Air Force 30 July 1952, where he served 30 years. After he retired from the Air
Force he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserves as an officer until his retirement.
James was united in Holy Matrimony on 2 Dec 1959, to Dora Jimenez Golan (Ms. Dee). He immediately
stepped into the role of father to her daughter Janie and later son Donald Thomas.
Mr. Thomas was a brilliant and talented musician and educator. He played several instruments
professionally; however, piano was his passion. From Oct 1982 to May 2003 he taught music at various
Moreno Valley Unified School District schools.
James enjoyed playing dominos, cards and outdoor games such as crochet. He loved his newspaper
staying up-to-date on local, national, and foreign affairs.
James was preceded in death by his parents James and Eula Mae Thomas Sr., siblings Annie Ruth, Edgar
Lee, Lawrence Jones, Connie Belinda, and Gregory Thomas.
He leaves behind his beloved wife Dora Jimenez Thomas; daughter, Janie Thomas and life partner
Charles Reed; son Donald and wife Deanne Thomas; brothers, Glen and Alfred Thomas; 6 grandchildren,
Marcus and wife Teri Bivens; Kyle and wife Meagan Griego; Gina and husband Algin Anderson; Justin
and wife Catherine Thomas; Steven Thomas; Sarah Thomas and life partner Daniel Green; 10 great
grandsons, Kameryn, Kaiden, Kenneth, Jayden, James Earl Thomas (JET) Bivens, Ace, Kohl, Emmett,
Johnathon, Wyatt; and 6 great granddaughters, Serenity, Kalleigh, Averie, Kyle Jr-(Ky), Falynn, and
Autumn.