James Jewis "JL"

Thomas

James Lewis Thomas “JL”

James Lewis Thomas, affectionately known as “JL,” age 86, of Lake Toxaway, North Carolina, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, in the early morning hours of November 5, 2026.

JL was born to the late Frank and Geneva Jones Thomas. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Gloria Fisher Thomas; his brother, John Thomas; his uncle and best friend, Howard Jones; and many other dear friends and family members.

He is survived by his two sons, James and Jeffrey Thomas; daughter-in-law, Lori Thomas; brother and sister-in-law, Wayne and Geraldine Ashe; grandchildren, Christopher, Geneva “Ginny”, Sarah, and Lily (Logan); nephew, Chad Thomas; nieces, Hollyn Ashe, Heidi Ashe, and April Thomas, and one great grandchild on the way; along with numerous cousins, extended family members, and friends.

JL was a devoted Christian whose faith was the foundation of his life. He faithfully served as a deacon at Faith Baptist Church in Lake Toxaway for well over 50 years, a church that held a very special place in his heart. He began attending not long after the church was established, and over the years, he and his uncle Howard spent countless hours working together on projects to maintain and care for the church. His love for the Lord was evident in the way he lived his life and the way he cared for others.

Above all else on earth, JL loved his family. He was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. His family was his greatest blessing, and providing for and caring for them was something he took great pride in throughout his life.

JL also took great pride in his work. He spent 43 years working at the Ecusta Paper Plant, where he operated the No. 12 paper machine. He often enjoyed telling stories about his years there and would talk about how much he loved “seeing what he could make the machine do.” But he was always quick to point out that what he appreciated most about his job was that it allowed him to provide for his family. His hard work and dedication were a reflection of the kind of man he was.

In retirement, JL continued doing what he had always enjoyed most: staying busy and working outdoors. He especially loved mowing grass. Helping others came naturally to him, and offering to mow someone’s lawn was often one of the first things he would volunteer to do. When someone once asked whether he had taken up any retirement hobbies, such as golfing, the answer was simple: his favorite hobby was mowing grass. That was JL, and those who knew him will surely smile remembering it.

JL leaves behind a legacy of faith, hard work, generosity, and love for his family. He will be remembered not only for the life he lived, but for the countless ways he touched the lives of those around him. Though he will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and community, they find comfort in knowing that his faith has become sight and that he is now home with his Savior.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.