James Joseph Thomas of Mays Landing, NJ, passed away on April 4, 2026. He was born on June 15, 1942, to the late Pauline and Joseph Thomas. He was blessed to know and love the steady presence of his grandmother, Mary Bollman. Known lovingly as Jim, he was raised in Egg Harbor City and attended St. Nicholas School, graduating in 1956, then from Oakcrest High School in 1961. He later continued his education at Atlantic Community College. He carried the lessons of those years and used them well. He was a man who believed in doing any job the right way and lived by the “measure twice, cut once” rule. He was handy, hardworking and had a sense of humor. Jim was Honorably discharged from the Armed Forces of the United States of America, Army National Guard of New Jersey in 1970 after serving 6 years. Jim’s working life was long and steady. He began his work at Lenox as a Gold Liner. He served as an Area Supervisor with the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Planning Division for 17 years. He later worked for the New Jersey Highway Authority, Garden State Parkway for 10 years as a Landscape Crew Supervisor, District #6 until his retirement on March 15, 1996. After retirement, he installed Custom Closets in businesses and homes in and around South Jersey. Later he worked part-time at Home Depot where he reconnected with many customers who were old friends and former co-workers. As a child, Jim grew up watching the good, ole time cowboy movies and especially loved the horses. His livelong desire to ride horses came to fruition with Emily and Poco. He became “that cowboy”. For his 60th birthday he was gifted a trip to Encinitos Ranch in Texas where he worked as a Ranch Hand, doing what cowboys do and it was his dream come true. Jim is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sherry (Donohue); his daughters, Beth Ann Petrella (Michael, Sr.) and Jennifer Ade (Timothy); his grandchildren, Crystal Falciano (Jason),Brittany Petrella, and Michael Petrella, Jr. (Hailey) and Tyler Thomas; his 3 greatgrandchildren, Brooke, River, and Payton. He is predeceased by his beautiful sister Kathleen Silipena. Each of them carries a piece of Jim’s story.

A viewing will be held on Friday April 10th from 10-11am with a service to follow at 11am at the Wimberg Funeral Home- 400 Liverpool Ave., Egg Harbor City NJ 08215.