James W. Thomas, 76, surrounded by family, finished his last race peacefully on October 28, 2021, in St. Petersburg. He joined the United States Navy while still in high school and retired as a Chief Storekeeper with 22 years of service. He retired from Clearwater Police Department with 20 years of service. His coworkers and community members affectionately dubbed him Robocop. He was recognized in both of his careers for his meritorious service and received a lifesaving award from Clearwater PD. He was a member of Transfiguration Catholic Church for 37 years until it closed, joining the Music Ministry and Festival Committee. For ten years, he participated in and raised thousands of dollars for the Susan Komen 3-Day for the Cure in honor of family members. He was an avid runner, sailor, coin collector, consummate animal lover, family man, and friend. He was known for his fabulous storytelling and amusing quotes.
He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph W. Thomas and Nina E. Smith. This good and stellar man has left a family who love him: Dorene, his wife of 40 years, his daughter, Jaymie Murray, and son-in-law, Charles Murray. with grandchildren, Charles “C.J.”, Sean, Meghan, and Dylan, son, Jeffrey Thomas, and daughter-in-law, Kristin, with granddaughter, Olivia, daughter, Jessica Thomas, daughter, Nikki Le, with grandson, Carter, brother and sister-in-law, Charles W. and Patricia Thomas, goddaughter, Seri Van Bibber, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends, his beloved dogs Cruiser, Taser, and Rookie, and cats, Casanova and Salem.
He has instilled in those that love him a legacy of courage and service. He demonstrated leadership as a top sailor and outstanding police officer, and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, godfather, brother, and friend. To say that he made a difference in this world is an understatement. He will be missed by those whose lives that he touched.
Should anyone wish to remember him in lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation in his memory to Project Paws Alive, Inc., 1193 SE Port Saint Lucie Blvd., Suite 289, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34952, or Vincent House, 4801 78th Avenue North, Pinellas Park, FL 33781 (online availability).
Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on Saturday November 6, 2021 at 11:00 am.
Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.
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