James G. Thomas

James G. Thomas

Anamosa

2/24/1940 - 5/1/2023

Jim Thomas passed away May 1, 2023, at home surrounded by love.

Jim was the son of Owen and Delores Thomas and grew up with his grandparents Potsie and Granny Brecht in the Olin area. Jim graduated from Anamosa High School with the Class of 1958 where he was homecoming king and a great athlete. Jim was a Golden Gloves champion in 1958, before heading to Iowa State University to obtain a degree in agriculture and education. While a student at ISU, Jim married Jane Niles on Aug. 24, 1960, and began their family. Together they had five children in seven years - Nick, Tonya, Dan, Aaron and Vince.

After teaching for a few years and a stint working at the reformatory, Jim and Jane packed up the kids and moved to Des Moines so Jim could attend Drake Law School, graduating in 1972. Jim practiced law for over 50 years – helping many. Jim was a lifelong conservationist at heart and was active in Ducks Unlimited for more than 40 years.

In 1999, Jim married Kerry Marshall - enjoying life to the fullest.

Jim was predeceased by his parents and grandparents, brother Brett, and son Vince. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife Kerry; children: Nick, Tonya (John) Kurtz, Dan (Megan) and Aaron; grandchildren: Danny, Owen, Grant and Quinn; sister Jan (Greg) Bressler; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews, his in-laws and many friends he made during his lifetime.

Jim touched many lives in his 83 years and will be missed by a broad spectrum of individuals he counseled, mentored, raised and advised. His generous and friendly spirit, zest for life, and determination to do the right thing for everyone are qualities we should try to emulate.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held Saturday, June 10, at Sally’s on Broadway in Springville, Iowa, from 1 to 4 p.m. Memorials may be made to Jones Regional Medical Center (in Anamosa) and Ducks Unlimited.