Thomas, James E. (Jim) James E. Thomas (Jim), 75, was called home to the Lord on October 18, 2017, with his loving family by his side. Jim was born on November 19, 1941, in Barberton, Ohio, to his parents George and Maycel Thomas, who preceded him in death, along with his sisters, Betty, Georgia "Peaches", and Shirley. He moved to Phoenix in his early adult years and began his career with the Phoenix Police Department on March 13, 1972. He was assigned to the Patrol Bureau for two years, then began his long detective career working Auto Theft, Robbery, Homicide, Narcotics, Organized Crime and Internal Affairs. During his tenure with the Phoenix Police Department, he worked special assignments, one of which included assignment with the Secret Service in September, 1987, when Pope John Paul II visited Phoenix, as well as being then-Mayor Skip Rimsza's bodyguard. Jim retired from the Phoenix Police Department on September 23, 1998, after 26 years of service, and soon after, was offered an investigator's position with the Arizona Gaming Commission, having worked there for two years, before retiring altogether. During his career, he also earned a Bachelor's Degree in Education at Northern Arizona University. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Diana, of 32 years; father to Gail (Mike) Lentz, Michelle (Travis) Watson, Tammy (Jake) O'Riley; and step-father to David Paez, Catherine and Deborah Sharpe; grandfather to nine grandchildren, Shana, Christopher, Tyler, Joshua, Katherine, Rowan, Jocelyn, Michael, and Lorenza; great-grandfather to Nason and Riley. He also leaves behind two sisters, Mona and Joanie; many nieces, nephews, as well as other family members and friends, whom he thought the world of. Jim loved gardening, "fixing" or building things, watching his sports on TV, and enjoyed helping neighbors and friends with yard work or projects. He and Diana managed to make a trip to Europe in 2003, then once to Hawaii, along with a couple of trips to visit family and friends in the Akron, Ohio area. Some of his favorite pastimes was to make runs to Home Depot or Lowes ? always making some sort of purchase. He had a profound impact on all who knew him and was a very generous man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. He loved his church, Faith, Hope and Love (Pastor Ochoa) and was adored by all the congregation, ultimately, always boasting about knowing you. For the outpour of support from these friends, community, and Phx PD, the family is very grateful and deeply moved. A Celebration of Life will be held at Estrella Vista Reception Center, 1471 N. Eliseo C. Felix Jr. Way, Avondale 85323 on Thursday, November 9, 2017, with a garden Memorial Service at 10 a.m., followed by an indoor reception until 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the 100 Club, at www.100club.org or by calling (602) 485-0100.