Jim Thomas' Obituary
Charleston, IL - Jim D. Thomas, age 80, passed away on February 15, 2018 at Casey Health Care Center in Casey, Illinois. Visitation will be held from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel in Charleston. Funeral Services honoring his life will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday with Brother David Hickox officiating and Masonic Services conducted by members and guests of Hutton Masonic Lodge #698. Burial will follow in Liberty Cemetery, Hutton Twp. In lieu of flowers, thoughtful donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Hutton Masonic Lodge or Casey Health Care Center. Gifts may be left at the visitation or service or mailed in care of Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Dr., Charleston, IL 61920.Jim was born on September 23, 1937 in Mattoon, Illinois to Vernon W. and Florence (Hightshoe) Thomas. Jim grew up on a farm near Lerna, Illinois, attended Lerna schools and graduated from Charleston High School in 1955. On February 17, 1956, he married Mildred E. (Millie) Waggoner in Mattoon, IL. She preceded him in death in 1997. Jim is survived by his three children: Susan and Daniel Settle of Mount Vernon, IL, Jerry and Martha (Marty) Thomas of Charleston, and Christy Thomas of Casey, IL. He also leaves behind his two grandsons Justin and Jonathan Thomas of Charleston. Also surviving are his brother Bob (Barbara) Thomas of Charleston and sister Linda (Fred) Tapscott of Decatur, IL, two sisters-in-law, one brother-in-law, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife, brothers Vernon Jr. (Bud), Jackie, and Joe and his sister, Donna Hall.Jim worked for several farmers in the Lerna area and was then employed by the New York Central Railroad for eight years. He and Millie moved to Hutton Township in 1958 where the two of them were grain and livestock farmers for over fifty years. Jim served as a Hutton Township trustee for many years and was a volunteer fireman for the township. He was a fifty-two-year member of the Masonic Lodge in Hutton and was a member of the Corn Belt Shrine Club. Jim was also a longtime member of the Coles County Farm Bureau and the Charleston Moose.Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, and shooting trap and skeet and was a member of the Charleston Gun Club. He was a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, Cardinal baseball and NASCAR. He enjoyed coffee with friends at Russ and Lynda's and later at Lincoln Garden. Jim was a hard worker and a good teacher who taught his children and grandchildren the skills of farming.Click to view family memorial video.Funeral ServiceThe funeral service for Jim Thomas was held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 21, 2018 at Adams Funeral Chapel with Brother David Hickox officiating. Masonic services were conducted by members and guests of Hutton Masonic Lodge #698 and led by Ronald Croy, Vern Lee, W.M. Stratton and Jim Pearcy. Musical selections included ""Amazing Grace"", ""In The Garden"", and ""Old Rugged Cross"". Burial followed in Liberty Cemetery located in Hutton Township. Pallbearers were Dan Settle, Doug Thomas, Jon Thomas, Justin Thomas, Shane Newell and Mark Childress. SERVICES Visitation Wednesday, February 21, 2018 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920 Funeral Service Wednesday, February 21, 2018 11:00 AM Adams Funeral Chapel 2330 SHAWNEE DR CHARLESTON, Illinois 61920
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