James Thomas
James Thomas
James “Jim” Vernon Thomas, age 78, loving husband to Rona Lynn Thomas, passed away peacefully, Thursday Feb. 3, 2022, at Highlands Regional Medical Center in Sebring, Fla. Born Oct. 30, 1943, in Harlan, he was the son of the late James Paul and Emily Ruth (King) Thomas. Jim was founder and president of Lean Masters Consulting Group, Inc. He worked as a principal consultant to Ford Motor Company in the US, South America, Canada, Europe and Australia. He was plant manager at Kuhlman Electric in Versailles, worked as plant manager for Danaher Tool Group in several U.S. locations and worked at Y12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge Tenn. Jim was a U.S. Air Force veteran where he taught electronics. He was a member of Burgin Baptist Church and was chairman of the building committee. He later joinedSaints Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Danville, with his loving wife. He was a Board of Governors member of the Shriners Medical Center in Lexington, where he served as treasurer. He was also a proud member of Oleika Shrine Temple in Lexington and donated much of his time to assist children in need. He was a member of Mercer Masonic Lodge #777 F&AM, Wilderness Shrine Club, Royal Springs Club, 39 Club and the Royal Order of Jesters Court 121. He belonged to the Tennessee and Kentucky JCI Senate International. In addition, Jim belonged to several chapters of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). Together with his loving wife, he enjoyed traveling and camping and spent many winters in Florida. Jim was an expert pilot and enjoyed flying his airplane for both business and pleasure. Survivors, in addition to his wife, include: one sister Sula Thomas, one brother Larry (Zynthea) Thomas both of Tennessee and best friends David and Dottie Sims of Burgin. Funeral mass was held Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 12 noon. Visitation was from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Danville. An additional service and celebration of life will be held at Burgin Baptist church Wednesday, Feb. 9, at 12:15 p.m. Visitation was 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 8, and 10 a.m. until 12 noon, Wednesday, at the Burgin Baptist Church. A Masonic Service was scheduled for 12 noon, Wednesday, following visitation. Burial was Thursday, Feb. 10, at Woodhaven Memorial Gardens, Claxton, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Burgin Baptist Church Building Fund, PO BOX 266, Burgin, KY 40310. Arrangements by Ransdell Funeral Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.ransdellfuneralchapel.com.
