E. James 'Jim' Thomas - Age 81

Beloved husband of Patricia. Dear father of James (JoHanna), Anne (Peter) Veach, Mike (Tricia), Ellen (Mike) Salter, Patti (Chuck) Fox and Mary Jean (David) Lawson. Grandfather of Liz, Evan, Aidan, Grant, Nicole, Brendan, Dominic, Erin, John Joe, Natalie, Anthony, Madison, Lauren, Michael, Shannon, Meghan, Brianna, Brittany, Ethan, Cullen, Emma, Holly and Hunter.

Ernest James Thomas, fondly known as Jim was born in Ironwood, Michigan on May 5, 1933. He spent his childhood in the UP and later graduated from Northern Michigan University with a Bachelor's degree in Business in 1955. He moved to the Detroit area with a few friends to pursue employment. He met his future wife, Patricia McGowan; on a blind date where they attended a Tigers Game and stopped by the Gaelic League to listen to Irish music. Shortly after they began dating, Jim started working at Ford Motor Company where he remained for 35 years. Jim and Pat were married on August 1, 1959. For a short while they lived in Westland and later moved to Dearborn to accommodate their growing family. His main priorities in life were his faith and family. He has been active parishioner at Divine Child Catholic Church for 45 years. He is devoted to the Father Solanus Guild and The Right to Life of Michigan. One of his favorite things to do was to visit his cottage in Traverse City and travel. His most recent trip was with Patricia and Mary Jean to enjoy a river cruise in Europe. He died peacefully at his home on June 11, 2014 surrounded by his family.

Visitation Sunday 4-8pm and Monday 1-8pm with at 7pm Rosary at the John N. Santeiu & Son Funeral Home, 1139 N. Inkster Rd., Garden City (Between Ford Rd. & Cherry Hill). In State Tuesday 9am followed by the 9:30 am Funeral Mass at the Church of the Divine Child, 1055 N. Silvery Lane at Wilson in Dearborn.

Family suggests memorials to Capuchin Soup Kitchen.