James "Jim” Paul Thomas

Mr. James "Jim” Paul Thomas, age 79, of Mauk, GA, formerly of Zebulon, GA, passed away May 5, 2026, at his home. Jim was born in Charleston, West Virginia, son of the late Jabez Johny Thomas and the late Mayble Marie Walker Thomas.

In high school, Jim excelled in sports and was offered two college football scholarships, which he declined to enlist in the United States Army. Jim proudly served his country in the Vietnam War, where he received the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with 60 Device, the National Defense Service Medal, an Expert Badge for the M-14 rifle, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Driver Badge for maintaining military vehicles. During his service, Jim worked as a Surfacing Equipment Specialist and Concrete Paver Operator.

After being honorably discharged, Jim worked for Warfield Electric, rebuilding forklift motors, and later as an Engineer for Caterpillar.

Jim was a member of Rehoboth Church of the Nazarene in Molena and Oakland Church of God in Mauk. He enjoyed playing the guitar, cutting grass, and woodworking. Jim had a wonderful voice and often sang southern gospel hymns with his wife, Deb. He loved animals, especially dogs and cats.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Beaver.

He is survived by his wife of 31 years: Deb Thomas; children: Brandy Sizemore (Jimmy), Melissa Haber (Lonnie), Lana Baker (Kevin) and Jennifer Pontbriand (Michael); grandchildren: Chyna, Dylan, Taylor, Ethan, Destyni, Sabastien, Bre, Christien, Braden and Logan; many great-grandchildren; and close family friend: Tony Doss.

Friends may visit the family on Friday, May 15, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., at the funeral home.

A celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at 11 a.m., in Rehoboth Church of the Nazarene, 976 Kings Road, Molena. Rev. James D. Wilson will officiate.