Jim Thomas

Graveside services will be held for

Jim Thomas 87 of Crawford.

Friday October 22nd

1:00 p.m.

Chadron Greenwood Cemetery

Chadron Nebraska.

Memorials to Crawford Area Fund or Crawford Fire Department can be sent to

Chamberlain Chapel

PO BOX 970

CHADRON NE 69337

Jim was born on August 17,1934 to Mitchell and Tillie Mae Thomas in Crawford Nebraska.

He lived in Crawford almost all of his life, he graduated high school in 1953 then joined the Air Force. Honorably discharged because of a family hardship caused him to be sent home to run the family business, Crawford Cold Storage in 1955. Jim married Margaret Fluent in 1964 and raised three children Kurt, Lance and Shelly. Jim and Margie bought the well-known Butcher Shop in 1966 and continued to run the business for 24 years. Jim decided to change professions in 1979 to work for the Chicago North Western track department retiring in 2001.

In 1969 he was elected as a City Council member then later City Mayor which he served 2 terms.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities hunting, fishing, gardening and riding motorcycles. He belonged to many clubs and organizations including rifle club, bowling league, the Elks club, American Legion and many others. He became interested in mountain man re-creation, building an authentic black powder rifle, tanning hides and making authentic leather clothing. He even learned beadwork from a local woman.

He did most of his own repairs and remodeling to his business and home. Grandchildren say “Grandpa can fix everything!”.

He was rather creative working with his hands and created many things out of wood, leather and metal. Even after his health began to rapidly deteriorate, he continued to make designer one-of-a-kind suspenders for family and friends with occasionally selling a few of them.

He was determined to keep busy and stay active at home until he rested for eternity on October 15th, 2021.

Proceeded in death by

Parents Mitchell and Tillie Thomas

Brother Bill Thomas of Phoenix AZ

Son Kurt Miller

He is survived by Margie his wife of 57 years.

Children Lance (Jean) Thomas of Alliance

Shelly (Robert) Thiry of Chadron

Grandchildren Daniel (Katie) Thomas of Sundance WY

Joelle Thomas of Spearfish SD

Emmalynn, Isabelle and Olive Thiry of Chadron.

Great grandchild Colt Thomas of Sundance WY.