Graveside services for Jim Thomas, 87 of Crawford, Nebraska will be Friday, October 22, 2021, 1:00pm at Chadron Greenwood Cemetery, Chadron, Nebraska. Memorials to Crawford Area Fund or Crawford Fire Department can be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, Nebraska 69337.
Jim was born August 17, 1934 to Mitchell and Tillie Mae Thomas in Crawford, Nebraska.
Jim lived in Crawford almost all his life, he graduated high school in 1953 then joined the Air Force. Honorably discharged because of a family hardship caused him to be sent home to run the family business, Crawford Cold Storage in 1955. Jim married Margaret Fluent in 1964 and raised three children, Kurt, Lance and Shelly. Jim and Margie bought the well-known butcher Shop in 1966 and continued to run the business for 24 years. Jim decided to change professions in 1979 to work for the Chicago North Western Railroad track department retiring in 2001.
In 1969, he was elected as a City Council member then later City Mayor which he served two terms.
He enjoyed many outdoor activities; hunting, fishing, gardening and riding motorcycles. He belonged to many clubs and organizations including rifle club, bowling league, the Elks Club, American Legion and many others. He became interested mountain man re-creation, building an authentic black powder rifle, tanning hides and making authentic leather clothing. He even learned beadwork from a local woman.
He did most of his own repairs and remodeling to his busiiness and hime. Grandchildren say, "Grandpa can fix everything!".
Jim was rather creative working with his hands and created many things out of wood, leather and metal. Even after his health began to rapidly deteriorate, he continued to make designer one-of-a-kind suspenders for family and friends with occasionally selling a few of them.
He was determined to keep busy and stay active at home until he rested for eternity October 15, 2021.
Jim was proceeded in death by parents, Mitchell and Tillie Thomas, brother, Bill Thomas, Phoenix, AZ, and son, Kurt Miller.
He is survived by Margie, wife of 57 years; children: Lance (Jean) Thomas, Alliance; Shelly (Robert) Thiry, Chadron; Grandchildren; Daniel (Katie) Thomas, Sundance, WY; Joelle Thomas, Spearfish, SD; Emmalynn, Isabelle and Olive Thiry, Chadron; Great Grandchild Colt Thomas, Sundance, WY.