James Thomas

James A. Thomas, 82, of Olathe, KS passed away Friday Sept. 5th at home.

The family suggests contributions to Aldersgate U.M.C. or the Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Assoc. Scholarship Fund.

Jim was born Feb. 25, 1932 in Topeka, KS to Allen and Virginia Thomas. He graduated from Lebo High School in 1950. He was a Corporal in the US Army from 1953-1955. He went on to receive his B.S. in education from Kansas State Teachers College in Emporia, KS in 1959 and received his Masters in Educational Administration in 1972. He taught 5th grade in Emporia, KS from 1960-1967 and in Olathe from 1967-1972. He was principal at Ridgeview Elementary School in Olathe, KS from 1972 until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of the Kansas Association of Elementary School Principals, the Olathe Public Schools Retired Employees Association, Olathe Masonic Lodge #19, American Legion Post 153, and was a past president of the Olathe Clockwinders Optimist Club. He was also a long time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his 1st wife Mary Thomas, their son Danny Thomas, his brothers; Howard and Walter Thomas and their parents.
Jim is survived by his wife Gertrude "Gertie" Thomas, his children; Jerry Thomas (Colleen M.), Rusty Thomas (Colleen G.) and Linda Maggard (Rob). Grandchildren; Clark Thomas, Madison Chettle, Sarah Hess, Kelsey Johnson, Zach and Alex Maggard. He is also survived by his step children; Susan Singleton, Rodney Gould, Bob Gould, Vincent Gould, Roger Gould and their families.