James L. ""Jim"" Thomas

Mr. Thomas passed away Saturday, August 23, 2008. A Memorial Reception will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2008 from 2:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. at Horan & McConaty, 5303 East County Line Road, Centennial, Colorado, 80122. JAMES L. ""JIM"" THOMAS Jim Thomas was born July 29th 1928 and raised on a farm near Luther Oklahoma. It was here that he learned the importance of hard work, along with establishing his principles and values. As a youngster in grade school he demonstrated his abilities with numbers and math. He told the story of when he and others would be called to the classroom chalk board to write a series of numbers for addition practice, he would have them added in his head by the time the others could get them written down. He was Valedictorian of his senior class and completed two years of college at Central State Teachers College in Edmond, Oklahoma (now Central Oklahoma University) being listed on the Honor Roll both years. On October 9, 1948 he married his beloved wife, Wanda Weaver. They shared almost sixty years together raising a family of three boys, Larry, John and Dean. Throughout his life he was dedicated to providing the best for his family while striving to be the best at whatever endeavor he pursued. In 1949 Jim and Wanda moved from Edmond, OK to Denver, CO to begin their life together arriving with everything they owned, placed in the back of Wanda's father's pickup and $20.00 between them. Jim had various jobs at first, often times working two jobs to ""almost"" make ends meet while Wanda learned to become a mother to their first born, Larry. Jim hired on as a bookkeeper for Baker Truck Rental in the early 50's, which was later purchased by Ryder Truck Rental. He served 27 years in management with Ryder being transferred to Little Rock, AR, Tulsa, OK and finally back to Denver. He received many awards during this time and gained the respect and admiration of many for his associates for his skills in dealing with people fairly and having a knack for turning company locations into profitable operations. After a short attempt at business on his own, Jim later brought these same people skills and work ethics to Penske Truck Leasing and contributed to their growth and development for another 13 years. His success in the business world was accomplished while never loosing sight of his love, devotion, and enjoyment in being with his family. When asked why he never took up the game of golf, he would explain that he would rather spend the time taking his sons fishing. He enjoyed most of all, spending as much time as possible with his loved ones at the family cabin retreat he established, near Durango, CO. His last years were spent gallantly fighting the hideous Parkinson's disease and finally on August 23, 2008, succumbing to pneumonia. Jim is survived by his wife of 59 yrs., Wanda; two sons, Larry & Dean; several grandchildren & great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by one son, John. Jim Thomas with his natural leadership, compassion for others, and incredible wit & humor, will be missed immensely by countless friends and family.