James Thomas

James E. Thomas, age 88, of Holland, passed away on Monday February 27, 2012.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ruth, daughter, Margaret, son, James, and sister, Jean.

Jim was born in Detroit Mi, on July 22, 1923, to James Reginald Thomas and Abigail Clista Boucher. He was a 1941 graduate of Detroit Southeastern H.S. He enrolled at Tri State in April of 1942. Jim enlisted in the U.S Army, Oct. 1942, served in Company A, 71st Infantry Regiment. Discharged as a Staff Sergeant and returned to Tri State, graduating in June of 1947 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. Jim and Ruth were married on June 6, 1946.

Jim first worked for R.L. Deppmann Co. in Detroit, Mi, and then a career with Parke Davis, working globally until retiring with Warner Lambert in Holland Mi. In 1962, Jim was awarded recognition as a Professional Engineer.

As an active member of the Boy Scouts of America, Jim earned the rank of Eagle Scout in Feb. of 1938. Since then he has been an assistant Scoutmaster, a Scoutmaster, district commissioner, Council executive board, and Council Member at Large with the Gerald R. Ford Council, Grand Rapids. Jim was especially active with Troup 147 in Holland.

Jim has been a member of the Lions Club for 61 years, also a life member of the Mason, Elks, and VFW. He was a member of the American Legion and the DAV.

Jim was an active parishioner of the Episcopal Church; he served as Warden and Sr. Warden at St. Gabriel’s in East Detroit and Grace Episcopal Church, Holland. He has been a long time acolyte at Grace Episcopal.

He is survived by his children and their spouses, Kathleen Kroll of Grayling, MI, Martha (Jerry) Hollenbeck of Twining, Mi, Janet (Roger) Becker of Walled Lake, Mi, George “Andy” (Karen) Thomas of West Olive, Gwen (Mike) Miller of Holland, 12 grandchildren, 1 great grandchild, sisters Joan Breitmeyer of Holland, Joyce (Dan) Head of Hinsdale, Il, and sister in law Audrey (Robert) Martin of Okemos Mi., and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Ave., Holland. A private interment will take place on Monday, March 5, 2012, at Acacia Park Cemetery.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Bruce and Teresa Ellis, John Shea, Morrie Minnema, Jim Oswald, Stafford and Peggy Keegin, Rev. Jennifer Adams, Father Henry, the 8:15am Grace Episcopal Group, and the staff of Tendercare Health Center of Holland for their love and support for Jim during his time of need.

Memorial contributions may be given to Hospice of Holland or Boy Scouts of America, Gerald R. Ford Council of Grand Rapids.

Arrangements by the Mulder Chapel, Dykstra Funeral Homes, www.dykstrafuneralhome.com