James Nicholas Thomas

James N. Thomas (Jim), passed peacefully away at 87 years old, on October 28, 2022.  At the home of his daughter surrounded by his family in Bozeman Montana.  Jim was born March 26, 1935, to Nick and Helen Thomas in Anaconda Montana.

Jim attended Saint Paul’s Grade School and Anaconda High School, graduating in 1953. In 1956 Jim joined the National Guard. He was honorably discharged in 1962.  He opened Jim’s Automotive in 1960, and that is where he met the love of his life AvaLee Rooney.  They were married on August 4, 1961, and they celebrated their 61st Anniversary this summer.  They were blessed with three children, Lorrie Thomas, Julie Kindred and their son Bob Thomas. They moved to Missoula in 1972, where he was employed as a mechanic at the Bonner Mill for Champion International, till 1986 when he retired.  He could fix anything, and on numerous occasions he would build custom tools to work on the equipment.  He was a mechanic by trade and excelled in architecture, engineering, carpentry, inventing, welding, history, and he was an artist. There was nothing he could not do, if he saw something once, he could replicate it, tear it apart and rebuild it. He was an amazing mechanic and truly a jack of all trades.

While in Missoula, Dad was involved in all his children’s activities.  He watched tennis, flag football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and track.  He helped with building many sets for school plays or science projects and was even a YMCA soccer coach.

He was a devoted Christian, who had an extraordinarily strong and loyal belief.  He was part of the Healing Ministry for the catholic church, he was also active in the classes for confirmation, and an instructor for the Catholic Youth Coalition at Holy Family Catholic Church.

Jim was a member in the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and The American Trap Shooter’s Association.  He was president of the Anaconda Trap club. Jim was a Double AA trap shooter and carried a 27-yard Handicap.  He was an exceptionally good shot and won many trap events all over Country.   He loved to hunt and fish and was excellent at both.  He was a natural teacher and taught many family and friends the fine art of hunting and fishing.  His fishing skills were solid and most of that was attributed to his lucky green fishing rod dubbed the “Green Hornet”, or his three-piece bamboo fly pole.

He had an enthusiastic sense of humor and liked to entertain people with all his stories.  He had a knack for talking to people and always had a story for anyone who would listen.  He loved to make people laugh.  We always joked upon his retirement, and Walmart coming to Montana, that Dad would be a suitable candidate for the greater position.  We decided that as much as he liked to talk, and as many people who want to go to Walmart, there would be no one able to go inside, because they would all be stuck outside visiting with him at the door.

Dad loved the outdoors, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and getting firewood.  He was proud of all of us and really enjoyed how we turned out in life. He took pleasure seeing his passions and likes adopted by us and his grandchildren.

We are extremely happy that he is pain free and has no more suffering, but he has left a huge hole in our hearts, and he will be missed by all that he touched.

Jim is proceeded in death by his Parents Helen and Nick Thomas, his Grandma Helen Peterson, brother Robert and wife Sally Thomas, sister Helen and husband Fred Blume, In-laws Frank and Nona Rooney, brothers-in-law Frank Rooney, George Rooney, and Bill Allen, sister-in-law Kaye Rooney.

Jim is survived by soul mate AvaLee Thomas, daughter Lorrie Thomas, daughter Julie and husband Tony Kindred, son Bob and his wife Barbara Thomas. Sisters-in-law Colene Allen, and Liz Rooney.  He has four grandchildren Amanda Campbell, Tyler Campbell and Marissa Perry, Tim Thomas, and Delaney Campbell.  He is survived by nieces and nephews Chris and Pam Blume, Nicky and Duane Roberts, Cara and Phil Piccono, Barbara and husband Ken Hagadorn, Gary Thomas, Shawnna and husband Joe Dechant, Kristi and husband Frank Compston, Bill Allen Jr. and partner Chris Klein, Teri Kaye Rooney, and Todd Rooney. Michelle and husband Andrew Little, and Danielle Rooney.

There will be a mass and celebration of life for Jim at Holy Family Church in Anaconda in July with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s name to a charity of your choice.

When life’s frolics are over, the gun laid away,

And the tide is at ebb at the close of my day.

I will feel that my measure of duty is full,

If when the Lord whispers “Ready”, then I answer “Pull”.

(Dr. M. M. Sullivan)

Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of Jim.

Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Cremation Services has been privileged to care for Jim and his family.