James Thomas

James E. Thomas, 92, formerly of Chillicothe, died November 30, 2022 at the David Simpson Hospice House, Cleveland, following a brief illness. He was born May 4, 1930 in Circleville to the late Carlos and Blanche (Young) Thomas.  James' marriage to Arilene Hitchens brought forth two children: Joslyn T. Dowe, of Lyndhurst, OH and James (Denise) Thomas, Jr, of Dayton, OH; grandchildren, Rufus (Donna) Dowe III, Ashleigh Brown, Thomas grandchildren: Von Abram, Kennede', Benae', Ja'Niece; great-grandchildren Courtney Dowe, Jordi Dowe, and Harper Brown; a sibling, Shirley Harris, Delaware; (more than a) sister-in-law, Etha Graves; sister-in-law Jenny Harbin; brothers-in-law Kenneth Hitchens and Larry Hitchens; nieces Vicki Mundy and Joyce Wedlow-Harris; nephews: Robert Russell, James Russell, Robert Harris, Monty Harris, Carlos "Tony" Harris and Vincent Harris; and special friends, Bob Banks, and Dana Thomas.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary E. Russell, and a beloved son-in-law, Rufus Dowe, Jr. James was baptized at an early age at First Baptist Church.  He recommitted his life to God under Rev. Jonathan McReynolds.  He continued to be a faithful member until his health declined and he relocated to Cleveland in 2017.  Rev. Carson and the First Baptist Family were saddened at the news. He had a love for horses that began at a young age when he rode horses and later in life became part-owner of a horse.  This love opened up a whole new lifestyle of "Country Boy": The Grand Ole Opry, Hee-Haw, Grand Ole Opry Gospel Hour, etc.  He enjoyed watching all of the old westerns with John Wayne and Roy Rogers being his favorites.  He had over 50 western movies in his collection. James was one of the big bowlers in the 1960's, 1970's and 1980's era at Shawnee Lanes.  Thursday Night Bowling League was "the thing" to do.  His bowling hobby took him to several cities and states winning an array of trophies. James primary occupation was a Nursing Assistant at the Chillicothe VA Hospital, for 36 years on the night shift.  After sleeping a few hours, he would then go to one of his part-time jobs which included pouring concrete with Louis Thomas & Sons Concrete or Herlihy Moving and Storage.  Later, in the early 1970's came Ben Haller, who gave him a part-time job that would prove to be priceless to him- giving service to the community at Haller Funeral Home.  He enjoyed serving families in their time of grief as a driver, funeral assistant and escorting patients to their appointments all over the Midwest.  As a result of his longtime friendship with Mr. Haller, and his dedication as an employee, the Hallers considered Dude part of their extended family. The love for his family was of the utmost importance to him.  Holidays were very important and he took pride in seeing his grandchildren's faces.  He loved to cook and bake rolls, always teasing Mary Ellen and Shirley who made the best dish.  He enjoyed traveling by car or truck to see family and friends, along with visiting different sites the US had to offer.  James, known to many as "Dude," was a proud US Army Veteran.  He was always wearing his Flag lapel pin, his beloved Army hat or Veteran hat.  He appreciated when someone thanked him for his service or when veterans were asked to stand.  Veterans Day was always special to him.  Rest in peace, Big Dude.  We love you!  His funeral service will be held 10:00 am Wednesday, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Eric Carson officiating.  Military graveside services, conducted by the Ross Co. Veterans Honor Guard, will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.  Friends may call 5-7 pm Tuesday at Haller Funeral Home & Crematory.  Memorial contributions can be made to First Baptist Church, 65 W. Fourth St., Chillicothe, OH 45601.
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