James Thomas

James C. Thomas died in his home on June 3, 2020 in Glen Burnie, MD. He was 82.

Jim was born on February 2, 1938 in Baltimore, MD. He was raised by his parents, Mae and Francis Thomas. He graduated from Southern High School in 1956, where he played varsity football. During his high school years, Jim was a member of Alpha Chi Beta. Jim continued to stay in touch and work with fellow classmates to plan an annual school reunion. He married Annette Appleby, his high school sweetheart, in 1958. They moved to Ferndale in 1961.

Jim worked for many transportation companies throughout his life including: the B&O Railroad, the MVA, Davidson Transfer and Storage, Eazor, Nelson Freight Lines, Rocky Mountain, and Tennessee Steelhaulers. He earned his transportation certificate from Catonsville Community College and was a member of the Baltimore Traffic Safety Club. He also worked for the 49’er Bingo Hall and Bingo World, combined, for over 30 years.

He and his wife Annette were active in local Democratic politics from 1964 to the present day. Jim and Annette were awarded the Julia Miller unsung hero award from the District 32 Democratic Club, where he was the sergeant-at-arms. He received the Sarah Carter award from the West County Democratic Club. Jim was a board member of Roland Terrace Democratic Club and a member of the Stoney Creek Democratic Club. He was also a liquor board inspector and served as commissioner for several terms.

Jim was fun, kind hearted, and loved a good prank. He enjoyed music and had a very eclectic collection of CDs and vinyl albums. One of his favorite pastimes was sitting by the pool with music playing, to be heard up and down the street. He had a wide circle of friends with whom he was frequently in contact, some of which he had known since he was five years old. Jim was a true “people person”. He could make friends with anyone due to his vibrant personality and charming smile.

He loved his family and grandchildren more than anything in this world. Jim is survived by his wife, Annette (Appleby) Thomas; daughter Kathleen (Thomas) Shatt, daughter Michele (Thomas) DeGrange and husband Ed DeGrange Jr.; son Steven Thomas and wife Elena (Sophocleus) Thomas; eight grandchildren Dr. James (Shatt) Morrill and husband Taylor Morrill, Brian Shatt, Eddie DeGrange, Michael DeGrange, Despina Thomas, Christian Thomas, and Nautica Lane; and his sister Helen “Boots” Raglan.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Anne Arundel County Crisis Response:

AACMHA/Crisis Response, 1 Harry S. Truman Parkway, Suite 101, Annapolis, MD 21401