James Gregory Thomas' Obituary
James Gregory Thomas, 68, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2023. He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on March 8, 1955, to the union of James Anthony Thomas (deceased) and Lucille Thomas.
He attended Shaw High School and he lived and worked in Cleveland most of his young adult life. James, AKA ,Red, JT, Jimmy, and Gregory. James was also affectionately known as Baba by his mother and siblings.
James loved to work with his hands to the extent that during his childhood he would take apart all of his sisters’ toys at Christmas and attempt to put them back together. You can only imagine how his sisters must have felt. James was hired by Jim, who owned a neighborhood auto body shop. Jim recognized that James needed a mentor and a place where his interests would be nurtured by working even more with his hands. James was able to work on various types of mechanical equipment and on auto parts. He also had opportunities to work in construction.
Regrettably, because of his struggle with addiction, James relocated to Columbus, Ohio where he enrolled in a drug rehabilitation program. James had a caring, kind, and grateful heart. He always thought about helping others so later he became a Drug Rehabilitation Assistant. His career goal was to earn his HVAC license which he successfully accomplished.
James accepted Christ under the love, care and biblical guidance of Pastor Sarah Clark (Mother Clark), whom he developed a close, trusting and loving relationship. In his final years, James’s love for the Lord and with the support of family and friends was able to maintain a drug free lifestyle.
He leaves to cherish his loving memories with his Mother, Lucille Thomas, and Sisters: Karen Watley (Henry), Myra Harris, Patricia Turner (Christopher), Cheryl Battle (Jeff). Aunt Geneva Terry Nephew: Terald Watley (Michelle). Nieces: Shana Bagley (Toure), Alisha Brown, Courtney Turner Glass (Jamal) and is survived by great nephews and a host of cousins and friends. His closest friends who were like family include: Ray Powell, Robert Kelly, Jimmy, and Elder Melvin Francis.
ACKNOWLEGEMENTS: The family gratefully acknowledges all acts of kindness, support and sympathy extended during their time of bereavement. Your thoughtfulness and prayers have been a source of comfort and strength to them.
They are forever appreciative for the invaluable help of Pastor Bob Martin for the use of Trevitt Life Ministries Church. Thank you, Elder Melvin Francis for delivering the eulogy and helping to create the program. and Pastor Mother Sarah Clark who connected the family to Pastor Martin and who tirelessly provided God’s divine wisdom.
Lovingly submitted,
The family
POEM
“The Broken Chain”
We little knew the day that
God was going to call your name
In life we loved you dearly
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide.
And though we cannot see you
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one
the chain will link again.
-by Ron Tranmer
Your loving family
SCRIPTURE
James 1:12 NLT
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.
Afterward they will receive the crown of life
that God has promised to those who love him.
NLT: New Living Translation
If you wish to support the family through their time of grief, feel free to share a loving memory of James on his Tribute Wall by visiting Buckeye Cremation’s website: https://www.buckeyecremation.com
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