James Walker Thomas, Jr.

Mr. James Walker JW Thomas, Jr., 89, of Mt. View Church Road, Moncure, died Thursday, July 19, 2007 at home while working in his garden. Mr. Thomas was born May 2, 1918 in Chatham County, the son of the late J. Walker Thomas, Sr. and Nora Ray Thomas. He was a lifelong farmer, and retired from working as a security guard. Mr. Thomas served on the Chatham County School Board, and was an active member of Gum Springs Baptist Church, where he was church clerk for a number of years. He is survived by his sons and daughter-in-law, Stephen R. Thomas of Moncure, Gene and Barbara Thomas of Magnolia, TX; daughters and sons-in-law, Sherry T. and Don Knepper of Cary, Judy T. and Jerry Poe of Apex, Jill T. and Steve Brown of Apex; a sister, Frances T. Hill of Asheboro; a brother, Harlan M. Thomas of Aneer; sisters-in-law, Elsie S. Thomas of Moncure and Ruth C. Thomas of Sanford; grandchildren, Wesley Thomas, Jenny Thomas, Leah Knepper, Laura Thomas, and Adam T. Knepper; step-grandson, Michael Scott; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Elizabeth Glosson Thomas on April 22, 2007; and by three brothers and three sisters. Mr. Thomas' life will be celebrated at 3:00 pm Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Gum Springs Baptist Church with Rev. Leonard Nix and Rev. Garland Foushee presiding. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 6 - 8 pm Saturday at Griffin Funeral Service and Cremation in Pittsboro, and also after the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorial contributions should be directed to the Dr. James B. Holt Nursing Scholarship Endowment at Central Carolina Community College, 1105 Kelly Drive, Sanford, NC 27330. The family would also like to thank Dr. Holt and his staff for their long time care for Mr. Thomas. Arrangements are in the care of Griffin Funeral Service and Cremation of Pittsboro.