James Robert Thomas III

May 6, 1969 – June 28, 2020

James Robert Thomas III, Elizabethton, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2020, at his home following a lengthy illness. He fought a good fight for those he loved.

He was the son of James Jr. and Deborah Isaacs Thomas.

James was a graduate of Elizabethton High School. Having worked at North American Rayon and then as a long-haul trucker, he had been retired for several years.

He was preceded in death by a son, Justin Davis Thomas; a brother, Brian Thomas Sr.; his paternal grandparents, James and Irene Thomas Sr.; and his maternal grandparents, Bill and Jane Isaacs Sr.

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his wife of 28 years, Leah Davis Thomas; four daughters and sons-in-law, Michele (Joey) Parlier and Kaitlin (Jordan) Thompson of Elizabethton, Jessica (Shawn) Tucker of Erwin and Jane (Steven) Mattes of Bristol, Va.; one son, James Thomas IV, of the home; five grandsons and a granddaughter, Cayden Estep, Brody Thompson and Oden Parlier of Elizabethton, Carson Brown, Cameron Brown and Emmaline Tucker of Erwin; one nephew, Brian Thomas Jr.; lifelong friends, Kenneth Chambers of Elizabethton and Mike Brendalen of Boston, Ky.; and his mother-in-law, Phyllis Davis of Elizabethton. Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

A memorial service will be held at Watauga Valley Freewill Baptist Church, Stoney Creek, on Friday, July 3, at 2 p.m. with The Rev. Dr. James Richardson officiating. Music will be provided by Donna Davis. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Valley Forge FWB Church Ramp Ministry, 1503 Riverview Drive, Elizabethton, TN 37643.

We would like to thank the men of Valley Forge FWB for the ramp they built and the staff of Amedisys Hospice for the excellent care they provided.

Restore Life of Elizabethton is servicing the family. It was James’ request that his remains be donated in the hope that something positive would come from his passing.