James H. “Jim” Thomas Sr., 87, of rural Marshall, died Thursday, September 30, at his home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 8, at Calvary Baptist Church with Pastor Rodney Haggett officiating.  Burial will follow at Ridge Park Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday at Campbell-Lewis Funeral Home.  Memorials are suggested to Calvary Baptist Church and an online guestbook is available at www.campbell-lewis.com

Born December 16, 1933, in rural Marshall, he was the son of the late Jacob Hardin Thomas and Mabel Barton Thomas.  Jim lived on the family farm in rural Saline County most of his life and was a 1951 graduate of Marshall High School.  On July 19, 1952, he married Nora A. Davis who preceded him in death on May 28, 2015.  Jim worked at DeKalb Seed Corn for 19 years, Kraft Foods for 5 years, and then retired at the age of 80 from Marshall Parks and Recreation where he had worked for 25 years.  He enjoyed going to the Columbia Farmers Market for many years where he was able to visit with all the people.  Jim was a founding member of Calvary Baptist Church and had a desire for everyone to know Jesus.

Survivors include four children: James H. “Jim” Thomas Jr. (Rosie) of rural Marshall, Loretta Sassmann (Dale) of Marshall, Janice Aulgur (Paul) of rural Marshall and Richard Thomas of Kansas City; seven grandchildren: Jacob Thomas, Della James (Daniel), Brandy Scott, Betsy Dierker, Jessica Thompson, Joanie Renzelman (Travis) and Mabel Thomas; 19 great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; one sister, Irene Sims of rural Marshall; as well as many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and wife, Jim was preceded in death by three brothers: Charles, John L. and Clifford Thomas; and two sisters, Grace Walker and Margaret Aulgur.