Jerold J. “Jim” Thomas
- Service Date
Graveside Service ~ Monday, January 30, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO
Celebration of Life ~ Monday, January 30, 2023 starting at 1:00 p.m. at Hank’s Bowl in Trenton, IL
- Full Obituary
Jerold J. “Jim” Thomas, Jr., age 57, of New Baden, passed away Monday, January 23, 2023 at his home.
He was born December 7, 1965 in Westminster, CA, a son of the late Mary Ann Tallant, nee Hodges and Jerold J. Thomas, Sr.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Lena, nee Grinstead, Thomas whom he married in 1988 and who died in 1990; sister, Debby Karr; and brother-in-law, Roger Ratliff.
Jim is survived by his wife, Cynthia “Cyndi” Thomas, nee Gillespie, of New Baden, whom he married May 16, 1992 at Carterville Methodist Church; children, Ashley (Timothy) Glass of Ft. Wayne, IN, Paige Thomas, Montez Gilmore, Tavis Brown, and Zachary Wright all of New Baden; step-son, Justin McElfresh of Licking, MO; grandchildren, Josephine and Lukas Glass; siblings, Terry (Dan) Murphy and Cynthia Ratliff all of Branson, MO; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Phillip and Louise, nee Green, Gillespie of Carterville; sister-in-law, Wendy (John Carter) Gillespie of Castle Rock, CO; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews; fur babies, Rocco and Layla; and grand-dogs, Winston and Charlie.
Jim was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served for thirteen years from 1988-2001 achieving the rank of SSGT. He was the Plant Manager at Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation in Centralia. Jim enjoyed golfing, watching football, weight lifting, watching movies, and loved animals, especially dogs and cats.
A Graveside Service will be held Monday, January 30, 2023 at 9:30 a.m. at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO with full military honors accorded and Jim’s nephew, Dr. Rev. Matthew Murphy officiating. (Those in attendance are asked to meet in the parking lot directly behind the Administration Building no later than 9:15 a.m.)
A Celebration of Life will be held Monday, January 30, 2023 starting at 1:00 p.m. at Hank’s Bowl in Trenton. (29 W. Illinois St, Trenton, IL 62293)
Memorials may be made to This Able Veteran at www.thisableveteran.org (1714 Wolf Creek Rd, Carbondale, IL 62902) and will be received at the service, or by mail Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.
