James Willie Thomas, also known as JW Thomas, passed away on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at the Port Charlotte Hospice House. James was born on February 18, 1942, in Shellman, Georgia, to the late Issac Thomas and Ida C. Kelley.

As the nineth child out of fourteen, James was preceded in death by not only his parents, but all his brothers and sisters.

James was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend. All throughout life he has been known for his hard work, never working just one job. He was a jack of all trades. In his younger years he worked as a farmer traveling up north picking fruits and veggies. He then poured concrete at the vertical assembly in Cape Canaveral. For many years, he worked at various places as a cook, being most proud of working at Sarasota Memorial for over 10 years. During that time, he met and married the love of his life, Dorothy Marie Davis Thomas, on November 15, 1984. After they married, they built their home in North Port in 2003. James started his own car detailing business for over 10 years and was also a brick mason. James retired from the Sarasota County School Board as a custodian in 2009. After retirement, he enjoyed cooking, walking his dog, yardwork, and doing interior decorating to his home. Most importantly, he loved spending time with his family and friends.

In addition to his wife of 41 years, James is survived by his loving nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and several other family and friends.

Baldwin Brothers is honored to serve the Thomas family.