James Ray Thomas

NILES - James Ray Thomas, 62, passed away at 7:50 a.m. on Monday November 28, 2016 at the St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown. He was born in Warren on February 24, 1954 the son of Vearl Wintsel and Barbara S.(Holbrook) Thomas. A 1972 graduate of Niles McKinley High School he worked for several years in the hot mill area at U.S. Steel. For over 30 years he was the operator of the McQuaids Sunoco Gas Station at Rt. 442 and North Road in Niles and later retired from the Girard Rt. 422 McQuaids Station. He was a member of the Brookfield Conservation Club and enjoyed the Tuesday night Turkey Shoots. He also enjoyed riding dirt bikes, four wheelers and his scenic motorcycle rides to Geneva with his friends. He played the guitar and loved all types of music. He spent most days at the Niles Wellness Center and was a die-hard Michigan Wolverines and Niles McKinley Red Dragon Football Fan. Most of all he cherished the time spent with his family, he was the "Best Husband and Best Papa in the World." James is survived by his wife Nina P. (Pierce) Thomas whom he married on October 7, 1977; his mother, Barbara S. Thomas of Niles; two sons, James Vearl (Jessica) Thomas Sr. of Columbus, Jeffrey (Mechee) Thomas of Girard; four grandsons, James Vearl Thomas Jr., Jacob Christopher Thomas, Luke Darius Thomas, Liam Sterling Thomas; four sisters, Renee (Don) Cormell of McDonald, Pam (John) Gargano of Niles, Rita (Merle Jr.) Smith of Jackson, Mississippi, Deanna Thomas of Girard and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Calling hours will be Thursday, December 1, 2016 from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home. The Funeral will be Friday, December 2, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Rev. Curtis Miller will officiate. Burial will be in Niles City Cemetery.

Visitation

DEC 1. 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM (EST)

Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home 126 West Park Avenue Niles, OH 44446

Funeral

DEC 2. 11:00 AM (EST)

Holeton-Yuhasz Funeral Home 126 West Park Avenue Niles, OH 44446