James (Jim) Thomas

Biography

James Dewey Thomas, 80, of Dubois, passed away January 30, 2014, in Idaho Falls, Idaho. Jim was born November 14, 1933, in Idaho Falls, ID, to George Dewey Thomas and Afton Laird Thomas. He grew up in Medicine Lodge and Dubois and graduated from Clark County High School, then he and his buddy, Jack Webster, volunteered for the Army. He only served for a short time before returning to help his Dad on the family ranch. On October 19, 1957, he married Donna M. Stoddard at Dubois. They were blessed with two daughters, Shawna and Shelli. Jim and Donna made their home in Dubois, Idaho, where Jim was a rancher raising sheep for many years and later Black Angus cattle. He served on numerous agricultural committees and advisory boards in Clark County. He was currently serving as Clark County Cemetery Chairman, a position he held for over 20 years. Jim enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheeling, fishing, hunting, western movies and gardening. Jim loved the outdoors, caring for his livestock, riding horses and enjoying God's creations. Some of his most memorable times were spent with his grandsons, Matthew and Nathan. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Donna Thomas of Dubois, ID; daughter, Shelli Lyn and son-in-law, Jim Bardsley of Pocatello; grandson, Matthew Bardsley of Boise; grandson, Nathan Bardsley of Pocatello; brother, Bill Thomas of Dubois, ID; and five nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Shawna Lee Thomas, and his brother Bob Thomas. Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at the Community Baptist Church, 220 S. Oakley Street, Dubois, ID, with Pastor Scotty Brown officiating. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, in Idaho Falls, and Tuesday from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm at the church in Dubois. Burial will be in the Dubois Cemetery. Military rites will be performed by the Clark County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard.