NEW BADEN — Jerold J. “Jim” Thomas, Jr., 57, of New Baden, died on Monday, Jan. 23, 2023, at his home.
He was born Dec. 7, 1965, in Westminster, California, a son of the late Mary Ann Tallant (Hodges) and Jerold J. Thomas, Sr. He married Lena Grinstead in 1988 and she preceded him in death in 1990. He then married Cynthia “Cyndi” Gillespie on May 16, 1992, at Carterville Methodist Church and she survives in New Baden.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Thomas is survived by his children, Ashley Glass of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, Paige Thomas, Montez Gilmore, Tavis Brown, and Zachary Wright all of New Baden; step-son, Justin McElfresh of Licking, Missouri; two grandchildren; siblings, Terry Murphy and Cynthia Ratliff both of Branson, Missouri; his father-in-law and mother-in-law; one sister-in-law; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.
Mr. Thomas was a veteran of the United States Air Force and served for thirteen years from 1988-2001 achieving the rank of SSGT. He was the Plant Manager at Gilster-Mary Lee Corporation in Centralia.
A Graveside Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Jan. 30, 2023, at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, Missouri with full military honors accorded and Jim’s nephew, Dr. Rev. Matthew Murphy officiating. (Those in attendance are asked to meet in the parking lot directly behind the Administration Building no later than 9:15 a.m.)
A Celebration of Life will start at 1 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Hank’s Bowl in Trenton. (29 W. Illinois St, Trenton, IL 62293)
Memorials may be made to This Able Veteran at www.thisableveteran.org (1714 Wolf Creek Rd, Carbondale, IL 62902) and will be received at the service, or by Moss Funeral Home in Breese, who is serving the family.
