1943
2017
AUBURN - James I. Thomas, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at the Hospice House of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice. He was born in Maryland on July 13, 1943, the son of the late Robert and Maggie (Contie) Thomas.
James moved from Maryland to Maine at a young age to pursue his music career with his band, "The Soul Brothers", where he happily remained for the rest of his days. He proudly worked for Marden's for over 13 years as a forklift operator, until his retirement in 2011. James' passion for music filled his life with people and memories to last a lifetime. On a perfect day, James would be found taking a long drive while listening to music in search of a perfect spot to fish. Those who knew him would refer to him as a rare talent and a dedicated worker.
James is survived by his 3 daughters, Kim Thomas of Long Island, NY, Tifany Thomas of Portland, Tonya Bailey-Curry and her husband Al Curry of Lewiston; his 2 sisters, Eva Grant of CA, and Thelma Thomas of MD; his 1 brother Clarence Thomas of Maryland; his 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents; his 1 sister; and his grandson, Dante Bailey.
James' family would like to thank the staff of Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice for providing such excellent care and support during a difficult journey, Clayton Roy of The Fortin Group for the long-time friendship and for giving him his final ride, and his dear friend Wendy Gagne who showed selflessness and compassion to his very last day. Friends and family are invited to share their memories and offer their condolences by visiting James' online guestbook at www.thefortingroupauburn.com A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2017 from 10am to 12pm at Fortin/AUBURN. A funeral service will immediately follow at 12pm at Fortin/AUBURN. A service of The Fortin Group/Plummer & Merrill Funeral, Cremation and Monument Services, 217 Turner St. Auburn, ME 04210. 783-8545.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by The Fortin Group.
April 8, 2017
Juanita CoyeBailey
Cousins, I pray to God He give you the strength to accept His will. Uncle James will be missed. You both are in our prayer.
April 4, 2017
Betty Houle
My sympathies to the family. Your Dad, my dear friend James, was a great guy
April 3, 2017
Jeff Davison
James! One of my earliest inspirations! Simply a great guy and personality. Back in the day (1973?)a band I was with ended up being a regular feature at the Manoir Hotel on Lisbon Street in Lewiston. Part of the job description was to host the Sunday afternoon jams, which could be horrid. James & friends would sit in and save us from the ones who couldn't find their key or would rush to the bridge because they couldn't count or feel time. My memory of James was that he was extra cool and he was the closest thing I ever heard to Lou Rawls. He introduced all of us "younger" musicians to all of the ex-Soul Brothers Band members and it was like meeting royalty to know and hear them all. Off stage James was a guy who often had a smile, but he could be philosophical and interesting too when it came to talking about music and life. I am about 11 years younger than James which at the time seemed like light years of experience between us. He recognized that we were a bit naïve, and the Manoir being the rough & tumble club that it was, James would keep an eye out for you and stick up for you if trouble moved your way. Truly a great man and a great mentor. Thank you James for your good groove and my sincere sympathies to his family and all the rest of us who will miss his warm presence.
April 3, 2017
Wendy Gagne
April 3, 2017
Wendy Gagne
My heart goes out to you Tonya and Tiffany and your whole family. Your Dad was a special person who had so much to give the world. With his voice,his Witt, his life experiences, and his smile. What a smile he had. When he smiled it was from his heart. He brought so much light into the world. I was blessed to get the opportunity to be to know his daughters I can see what kind of father he was. His daughters Tonya and Tiffany have so much soul, respect and love and I see him shine through them.
Keep on singing and Smiling in heaven James. I am missing you so much. You, in ways saved me! Thank you for being my dear friend! Rest In Peace.
Wendy Gagane, your neighbor 2xs ...in Auburn Maine.
April 3, 2017
Sheri Beauregard
So very sorry for your loss. James was truly a shining light and will be sadly missed by so many.
April 3, 2017
rip james you will never be forgotten play your music forever for all to appreciate. so sorry tiffany for your loss Brenda gaboury
April 3, 2017
Liz Vigue
So happy that I got to know you. A treasure, to be sure. Rest in peace, James.
April 3, 2017
Chuck Kittrell
April 3, 2017
julie ann jordan auburn
James , you will be missed , I hope you can get back to making music and smiling from ear to ear while you do it . thank you for being so good to my mum. Thank you for being you , love Julieann . rest now
April 3, 2017
Lynn I Poor
My heart goes out to you and your family Tonya. My deepest sympathies and condolences. Sending you love, hugs and wishing you peace and warm memories as you go through this difficult time.
April 3, 2017
Barbara Richards
I am so sorry for your loss, Tifany and Tonya....it is always hard to say goodby to our Mom or Dad. God will comfort you and your family at this time..Love you forever......Barb and Hoy.
April 3, 2017
Tifany Mattox
May you find your way....rest easy i love you always..daddy.
April 2, 2017
Marie Washington
My deepets condolenses to the family, Jamesw alway be in our heart
Mari Bzcy Washington
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