James A. Thomas was born July 12, 1952 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Albert and Lucille Thomas; he was the only child. Both parents preceded him in death. He grew up in Grenada, Mississippi. James accepted Christ at an early age under the leadership of Pastor Albert Thomas, his father.

James moved to Saint Louis in the early seventies. He attended and graduated from Soldan High School. James went on to culinary school and received his culinary certificate in 1990.

James met the love of his life, Arnetta, who preceded him in death. They married on November 29,1973. God blessed their union with two daughters, Tawana and Shouna.

James worked at BJC for 15 years in central line supply. James continued his culinary career at various restaurants and catered many events. He worked at Bus Loop until he became ill. James joined The Mt. Beulah M.B. Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. E.G. Shields, Sr. and served over 30 years. James served in many capacities: he was a member of the Mass Choir and served as chaplain, he was a part of the Mt. Beulah Male chorus. His singing abilities were extraordinary; he ranged from a first soprano to a baritone. When James sang, you felt the spirit moving in the house; he loved to sing and pray. James later was ordained as a deacon and he took that duty very seriously and served with pride and humility.

James loved and cherished his relationship with his daughters. He was so full of joy when he became a grandfather. Aryianna (Pooh), his only granddaughter, kept a big smile on his face. He enjoyed helping bring her up by taking her to school each day, before he went to work. He loved his Pooh. Singing, cooking and dancing was his thang — James was the Sam Cook of the gospel.

James loved his Peaches; though he had his own illness, he made sure he took care of her until she passed. Their love for each other was like no other. Their oneness is a true example of flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone; when you saw one, believe the other was near by.

On April 5, Easter Sunday, God raised him out of his sick bed and carried him to eternal rest, where he longed to be with his wife again. James leave to cherishes his memory two beautiful daughters, Tawana Reese, Shouna Reese; one granddaughter, Aryianna Wilkes; brother in law, Carl Smith(Lauren); nephew raised Charles Whiteside; three God daughters, Chelecy Barnes Shields, Sonya Towns and Javlyn Bynum; three God grandsons, Kyle, Vaden, and Dekoda; his best friend L. D. Colyer and lil play brother Ralph Blueitt (Connie) and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, church family and friends.