New Springfield-James Thomas Thomas, 87 passed away January 20, 2013, at his residence. He was born November 29, 1925 in Wellsville Ohio, a son of Joseph and Naceebe Thomas. Jim attended East High School. He served in the United States Navy during World War II as an aviation mechanic and was honorably discharged June of 1946. Upon returning home he began his career as a mechanic for the Youngstown Cartage Company and retired in 1987 as Vice President-Maintenance. He was a lifelong member of St. Maron Parish, a former member of its Parish Council and Maronite Center Board. He was also a founding member of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon, along with its 25 Club. He was a member of the Youngstown Traffic Club and National Safety Council. Jim will be remembered as a compassionate and caring person who always made you feel welcome. He was a strong Catholic who gave his time, talents and resources and whose beliefs were deeply rooted in his faith and especially his family. Jim was part of the regular crew at Golf Headquarters overseeing the morning coffee. Jim had a memorable summer, spending time with his family on summer evenings on the patio and by the fire pit. He will be deeply missed by his wife Gladys Ahmed Thomas, whom he married June 19, 1958. He leaves his brother Sied (Jeanette) Thomas, sister-in-law Rose Thomas, a brother-in-law Norris (Delores) Ahmed, son Joe (Deebie) Thomas of Boardman, daughters Terri (Ray) Ferris of Roanoke, VA, Dawn (Sam) Silek of Salem, VA, Anne-Marie (Mark) Luchansky of Canfield, Jamie (Marc) LeMieux of New Hartford, CT, son-in-law Mike Morelli of Goshen, IN, fifteen grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his first wife, Gloria Saker Thomas, his daughter, Cindi Thomas Morelli, brother Nasef Thomas and sisters Sadie (Bill) Lewis and Ann (Oliver) Nutt. The family would like to thank Dr. George G. Ellis, Jr. for his kind, compassionate treatment of our father and for treating him like his own. Friends may call Thursday from 4 to 8 p.m. at Schiavone Funeral Home and Friday morning from 9 to 10 a.m. at St. Maron Parish, one hour prior to the Liturgy. The family requests that tributes take the form of contributions to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon.
