James Donald Thomas
James Thomas Obituary
Mr. James Donald Thomas, age 89, of Pittsburg passed away on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at his home in Pittsburg surrounded by his loving family. He was born December 29, 1936 to Ennis “Buster” and Lila Riley Thomas in Pittsburg.
Mr. Thomas, known to his family as “Pop” served in the United States Navy from 1957 until 1961, he married his true love “Cookie” on September 13, 1959 in Stark, Florida. He was a Millwright Foreman for Lone Star Steel in Lone Star, upon the shut downs and layoffs, he purchased a wholesale florist company. He ran “Thomas Wholesale Florist” where he traveled all over selling plants and flowers to his customers until his retirement. He was known to many as the “unofficial” Mayor of County Line, along with the chief of police and the animal control officer. He loved his family, bluegrass music, NASCAR, football, and he also sang bass in a quartet for 40 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ethel “Cookie” Thomas of Pittsburg; children, Bob Thomas and wife Kelly of Scroggins, Ken Thomas and wife Kathryn of Pittsburg, and Cheryl Brown and husband Jerry of Hughes Springs; six grandchildren, Thomas McClung, Michael McClung, Kimberly Thomas, Jessica Thomas, Jeremy Thomas, and Alysia Thomas; , six great-granchildren, Braden Marinez, Kylee Marinez, Levi McClung, Kara Thomas, Kylie Thomas, and Riley Thomas, and three great-great-grandchildren, Laiden Marinez, Anakin Marinez, and Cassian Marinez; sister, Judy Thomas Robey of Mt. Pleasant; niece, Tammy Baldwin; nephew, Kevin Robey; along with lots of extended family.
He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Ennis “Buster” and Lila Riley Thomas.
Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. Monday, March 2, 2026 at the Riley Cemetery in Camp County with Bro. Tim Parker officiating. Those serving as pallbearers will be, Bob Thomas, Ken Thomas, Thomas McClung, Levi McClung, Braden Marinez, Jerry Brown, Lynn Minick, and Thomas Matulis.
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