Funeral services for SFC James C. Thomas will be at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 7, 2023, at The Christian Center, with Pastor Paul Craig officiating.

Burial with full military honors will be in Sunset Memorial Gardens under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home.

SFC James C. Thomas, 83, Lawton passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, in a local hospital.  He was born January 24, 1940, in Opelousas, Louisiana to Lawrence and Daisy Mae (Thierry) Thomas.

He served four years in the United States Air Force.  Following his honorable discharge, he joined the United States Army where he retired after 20 years as a Sergeant First Class on April 30, 1979.  He served tours in Vietnam and Germany.  His awards include the National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Two Overseas Service Bars, Good Conduct Medal-4th Award, Army Commendation Medal and the Sharpshooter (Rifle M-14).

James married JoHelen Humphrey on January 27, 1978, in Lawton, Oklahoma.  They made their home in Lawton, where James worked at the Tincher Child Development Center (CDC) on Fort Sill for several years.  He was a member of The Christian Center, where he loved his church and was involved in the various youth camps.  James was a sports fanatic as well, but most of all loved fishing.

Survivors include his wife JoHelen Thomas of the home, and his son T.D. Humphrey of Lawton.

SFC Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, and four brothers, Alan, Lawrence, Jr., Paul, and Ronald.