James R. Thomas

James “Jimmy” Richard Thomas age 84 of Batesville passed away Friday, December 4, 2015 at his home. He was born October 15, 1931 at Evening Shade, Arkansas to William and June Graddy Thomas. He was very proud to be a part of the Thomas-Sharp family history that settled Sharp County. He played a lead role in organizing the Thomas-Sharp family reunions. After over 30 years of service, he retired from Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (Hush Puppy Shoe Co.) and he and his wife relocated to Batesville. His job allowed him to travel to every state except Alaska. He and his wife also travelled to Europe, Canada, and Mexico, as well as country western music trips. He was active in the community with Help and Hope. He enjoyed his horses and liked raising and working with them. He spent much of his free time working with wood, making items ranging from cars and horses to small furniture pieces. After his wife of 33 years passed away , he learned to love his independence and insisted on remaining in his home, during which time he beat cancer and suffered the loss of two of his children. Survivors include 2 of his 4 children, Rick Thomas (Mitzi) of Jonesboro and Deb Knotts (Bill) of Austin, Texas; nine grandchildren, Nathan Thomas, Shawnya Kelley, Lindsay Bean, Kate Deckard, Cassidy Thomas, Aj Knotts, Matt Houston, Nikki Thomas and Rachel Stewart; seventeen great grandchildren; two sisters, Billie Johnson and Patsy Wann; his special friend, Macel Hoaney; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Katherine Thomas; a son, Ron Thomas; a daughter, Joni Hall; a sister, Juacellia Kakouris and a brother, Bill Neal Thomas. Pallbearers will be Jack McCann, Mike Miller, Larry Embrey, Gordon Hale, Laddie Sharp and Nathan Thomas. Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. at the Qualls Funeral Home Chapel in Cave City with Dwight Sharp officiating. Burial will follow in the Evening Shade Cemetery with arrangements by Qualls Funeral Home of Cave City. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Evening Shade Cemetery, C/O The Bank of Cave City, Evening Shade Branch, Evening Shade, AR 72532 or Help and Hope in Batesville.