James "Jim" Otis Thomas

James Otis Thomas, 87, departed this life on February 13, 2021 with his sister & niece nearby. Jim was born at the family farm north of Rosston, OK to Jim & Gladys (Grozinger) Thomas on December 30, 1933. Growing up in the country afforded Jim the opportunity to explore the creek & pastures which he loved. Early on, he had a BB gun and loved to practice aiming and shooting at targets. In high school, he played baseball and was a good left handed pitcher. He graduated from Rosston High School and went on to college at Phillips University in Enid, Ok majoring in science and math. In 1955 Jim was drafted into the army. He spent 2 years at Ft McArthur, CA where he worked with the storage of Nike aircraft missiles on the California coastline and had advanced training in firing the missiles in the desert at Alamogordo, NM. In 1957, he was honorable discharged and returned to the family farm. In 1959, he attended Oklahoma State as a biology major, later returning to home and farming until 1998 when he retired.

During the farming years, Jim enjoyed trap shooting and being a ham radio operator (1978-2002). This enabled him to talk to people all over the world. He also competed in trap shooting at the Whittington Center Range near Raton, NM winning many awards. He also entered a national contest in San Antonio, TX.

Following his mother's death in 2000, Jim moved to her house in Laverne. With his health declining, he spent his last 2 years at Parkview Pointe in Laverne, a nice last home for him.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother in-law, Vernon Moore. He is survived by his sister, Joyce Moore of McPherson, KS, a niece, Sherri Haxton (David), nephews; Jay Moore (Carolyn) and John Moore, 2 great nieces; Jade Gilpin (Troy) and Heather Haxton, 2 great nephews, Derek Moore (Jessica) and Dane Moore (Skyler), 2 great great niece & nephew and several cousins whom he enjoyed and who will miss him.

Jim was a good and honest man who enjoyed a good life. He will be remembered by special friends at Parkview Point and the community.

 Memorial Service Date to Follow