James E. Thomas

YORK - James E. Thomas, 78, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2009 at Manor Care - South. He was the husband of Janet M. (Whyte) Thomas to whom he was married for 55 years on February 13, 2009. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 3:00 PM Monday at Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York with Rev. Dr. S. Philip Covert officiating. A visitation will be held from 2-3:00 PM Monday at the Funeral Chapel. Born July 11, 1930 in Peoria, IL a son of the late Herbert F. and Ella (Knight) Thomas, he retired from Caterpillar Inc. in 1985 after 38 years of service in both York and Peoria. He was a member of Shiloh American Legion; Caterpillar York Retirees Club; and was a former member of White Rose and Continental Square Dance Clubs. Mr. Thomas was a US Navy veteran of the Korean War, having served on the USS Cascade. In addition to his wife, Mr. Thomas is survived by a daughter, Colleen D. Thomas of York; two sons, James K. Thomas of Dover and David W. Thomas of York; two grandchildren, Rose M. and Jonathon E. Thomas; four brothers, Richard D. and wife Donna Thomas and Ronald L. and wife Phyllis Thomas all of Metamora, IL, Herbert H. and wife Sally Thomas of East Peoria, IL, and Edward O. Thomas of Raleigh, NC; a sister, Sue L. Koons and husband Dan of Salt Lake City, UT; numerous nieces and nephews; and extended family, Sharon and Sarah Smith of York. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Michael Thomas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Parkinson's Disease Foundation, Inc., 710 W. 168th St., New York, NY 10032 or to a church or charity of your choice.