James (Jim) Thomas

James “Jim” Lawrence Thomas, 77, died December 13, 2013, at his home following several years battling cancer. He was born March 20, 1936, in Sugar City, Idaho, to John Alexander Thomas and Marvella Annie Harris Thomas. Jim attended Sugar Salem High School, graduating in 1954. He joined the Idaho National Guard the same year and remained active until 1966. Jim worked on a few local farms after graduating high school and married his high school sweetheart, Karen Mihlfeith from Plano in 1957. They were divorced in 1977. He worked as a mechanic from 1956 to 1962 and later opened his own repair shop. He also attended classes at Ricks College and Idaho State College extensions. He closed his business in 1964 and worked as an auto & tractor mechanic in Rigby & Idaho Falls. From 1965 to 1977 he was a deputy sheriff for Bonneville County. He went to work at EG&G Idaho as an Instrument Assembly Technician and as a lead Electrical Technician in Idaho Falls, Raft River, Three Mile Island, and Japan. He then continued on as a construction engineer at Lockheed Martin and Bechtel Corporation, retiring in 1995. After retirement, he became a consultant for Lockheed, working on Pit 9 until the project’s closure. He then went to work at the Elk’s Lodge doing their facility maintenance and repair for thirteen years. Jim was a member of the Bonneville County Search & Rescue for over thirty years. He was a member of the Elks and Eagles for several years while enjoying his beloved game of golf. On September 29, 1989, he married Laura “Laurie” Burgess. He inherited two children, Matthew and Jennifer. Survivors are wife, Laurie; son, Matthew (Rachel Smith) Burgess; and seven grandchildren, LaCretia, Laekin, Mavanee, MayeRee, Garren, MaLaine, and Gideon of Wellsville, UT; daughter Jennifer (Rick) Woods of Idaho Falls; grandsons, Alexander James Hollibaugh of Fort Campbell, KY; Chase Gokey of Idaho Falls; and Kristian Taylor of Pocatello; sisters Dawn (Don) Virgin of Sugar City, Sharlene (Tom) Milligan of Driggs; brother Norman (Ellen “Nellie” Dexter) Thomas of Twin Falls; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister and his parents. Jim was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, son & friend. He will be truly missed. To celebrate his life, have a beer and remember what a good friend he was. There will be no funeral at this time. Anyone needing or wanting to pay their respects to the family may do so at Jim & Laurie’s residence at anytime. A memorial will be held in Sugar City next spring. Memorial details will be posted at a later date. &nbsp Born: March 20, 1936&nbsp Place of Birth: Sugar City, ID&nbsp Death: December 13, 2013&nbsp Place of Death: Idaho Falls, ID

Memorial Services will be held in the spring.

Friday December 13, 2013 Share your thoughts and memories in the guestbook.