It is with heavy hearts that Jim's family announces his passing. He died on Monday, August 17, 2009, surrounded by loved ones, at the Chaleur Regional Hospital, Bathurst, NB after a short battle with cancer.
Jim was born in 1941 to Frank and Opal (Harris) Thomas of Upsalquitch, NB and lived there up until he joined the Canadian Armed Forces in his early 20's. He began his career with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery (RCHA) before joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps (REME). He worked up the ranks to become a Sargeant and spent his later years with the NATO Peacekeeping Force.
He was stationed in Lahr, Germany, and various bases around Canada, but his peacekeeping missions took him to Egypt, Cypress, Cairo, Namibia, and Yugoslavia.
After his retirement in the early 1990's, he moved back to Bathurst, the place he always considered home. Even in his retirement years, he was never "retired". He continued on being a Commissionaire for many years, and drove taxi where he was affectionately known as "Taxi Jim".
Jim leaves to mourn 2 sons, Barry (Patti) of Chilliwack, BC and Dean of High Level, AB, sisters, Carol (Dave) Brooks of Kitchener, ON, Kaye (Blaine) Smyth of Bathurst, NB, Nancy (Robert Godin) Thomas of Beresford, NB, Darla (Dennis) Parker of Campbellton, NB, special friend Gaby and her family, 1 grandchild, nieces and nephews, in-laws and many family and friends.
The family would like to thank the nurses on the fourth floor of Chaleur Regional Hospital for their wonderful and compassionate care, as well as Dr. Wade and Dr. Athar.
In keeping with Jim's wishes, there will be no service. Burial will be at the Upsalquitch Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, anyone wishing, may send a donation to St. David's United Church, 72 Mann Road, Upsalquitch, NB E3N 6J3.
Arrangements are in the care of Elhatton Funeral Home, Bathurst. www.elhatton.com