James Lynn Thomas, 77, of Alvord, Texas passed away at his home peacefully on February 13, 2026.  He fought the good fight against pancreatic cancer for 15 months.  He was born on February 6, 1949 in Sherman, Texas to Dwight and Imogene (Jean) Welch Thomas.  He spent his youngest years around Sadler, Southmayd, and Whitesboro on various farms.

Jim graduated with his friends in the S&S class of 1967.  In school he played all sports and showed heifers for FFA.  His athletic talent and achievements continued to increase in glory as the years rolled by.
Jim was drafted by the U.S. Army.  He served in Vietnam and Europe.  Jim was a proud veteran and a member of American Legion Post 0029.

His work career started in the mailroom at Texas Instruments.  He worked his way up, thru many departments in almost every Texas location of TI until his division was acquired by Raytheon.  Jim retired from Raytheon as a Business System Analyst in 2010 with 42 years of service.  His favorite parts of retirement were traveling across America in an RV and riding ATVs in the mountains of Colorado.

Jim served his community by coaching youth sports for football, basketball, and baseball.  His coaching was almost year-round with ages ranging from kindergarten t-ball to high school/college age American Legion baseball   he served on the Whitesboro School Board for 15 years and the Two-Way Water Board for 9 years.

Jimmy is survived by Kay his wife of 33 years, daughter, Tonya Riley of Sherman; son, Blake Thomas and wife, Leah Palmer of Alvord; son, Seth Thomas of Dallas; stepdaughter, Suzi Tatum of Howe; grandchildren, Brittany Edmiston of Bedford, Kyle Riley and wife, Brittany of Lewisville, Mason Thomas of Alvord, and Truitt Thomas of Alvord; great-grandson, Axton Bell of Bedford; brothers, Jerry Thomas and wife, Cathy of Belton, Lynn Thomas and wife, Kathy of Whitesboro, Ricky Thomas of Gordonville, Chuck Thomas and wife, Lucy of Gordonville, and John Thomas and wife, Christine of Woodbine; numerous loving nieces and nephews, and special cousins from the Welch and Thomas families.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Dwight and Imogene (Jean) Thomas, sister-in-law, Kathy Thomas, and niece, Laura Whitfill.

A time of visitation for family and friends was held at Meador Funeral Home of Whitesboro on Monday, February 16, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM.  A private committal service will be held at DFW National Cemetery at a later date.