James ThomasJames Thomas
James E. Thomas, 77, of Astoria died at 1:35 a.m. June 1, 2010, at Astoria Gardens and Rehab Center.
He was born March 29, 1933, in Woodland Township in Fulton County, a son of William and Electa Thomas. He married Virginia L. Davis on Oct. 5, 1956, in Beardstown. She survives.
Also surviving are one daughter, Ruth (and Gary) Demott of Vermont; four sons, Robert (and Pam) Thomas, George Thomas, Larry (and Patricia) Thomas and David (and Cassi) Davis, all of Astoria; one sister, Lena (and Roy) Rohn of East Peoria; and five grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, Tommy and Herbert Thomas.
He was an Army veteran, serving from 1953 to 1955 in Company C, 432nd Engineer Construction Battalion.
He worked at Caterpillar Tractor Company in East Peoria, retiring in 1985 with 30 years of service.
He was a member of Astoria Church of Christ, Astoria American Legion Post #25 and UAW Local 974.
Private graveside services were held at Mount Zion Cemetery with Tony Clements officiating. Shawgo Memorial Home in Astoria was in charge of arrangements.
Memorials may be made to Astoria Gardens, Astoria Rescue Squad or Astoria American Legion Post #25.