James Allen Thomas

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 31, 2008 in the Delhomme Chapel of the Flowers for James 'Jimmy' Allen Thomas, 57, who passed away on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at Lafayette General Medical Center. Reverend Steve Horn, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Lafayette, will conduct the memorial services. Jimmy was born on September 20, 1950 in New Iberia, Louisiana. As a freshman at Lafayette High School, he played on the golf team, with his brother Tommy that won the State High School Championship. He graduated from LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana. In addition, he attended University of Southwestern Louisiana on a golf scholarship and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business. While attending USL, he was a member for four years of the USL Golf Team, which won several Conference Championships and competed on a National Level. After graduation, he served in the United States Army. Upon leaving the Army, he became a certified petroleum landman and continued this career until his death. He was co-owner, with his brother Russell, and President of Suncoast Land Services in Lafayette. Jimmy belonged to several oil and gas associations, including: Lafayette Association of Petroleum Landmen (LAPL), Houston Association of Petroleum Landmen (HAPL), Petroleum Landmen's Association New Orleans (PLANO), and the American Association of Petroleum Landmen (AAPL). Jimmy's real passion was golf. He began playing golf at the age of nine having success in many Junior Golf Tournaments. During his golfing career, he made six holes-in-one. He was past club champion at Oakbourne Country Club, winner of the Evangeline Four- Ball, the Festival Scramble and the 2005 Louisiana Golf Association's State Senior Four-Ball Tournament. He was also a member of the Ragin' Cajun Golf Association, which helps support the golf program at ULL. The most wonderful part of his golfing experience was the friendships he cultivated. His golf buddies were among his closest friends. His best memories were of his golf trips to magnificent golf courses throughout the United States. He kept everyone entertained with his stories and his 'Jimmy-isms.' He will be greatly missed by those guys who affectionately called him 'Chicken' or 'Bird.' From business associates to golf buddies to family, Jimmy will leave a considerable void in many people's lives. He will be remembered for his love of his wife, children and grandchildren, for his compassion for others, his superb sense of humor, and his generous nature. Jimmy is survived by his mother Ouida 'Sue' Thomas of Carencro; his beloved wife, Donna Fontenot Thomas; his two much-loved sons and their families: Stephen A. Thomas his wife, Cari, their children, Carson and Kallie, of Lafayette; and Kevin J. Thomas of Carencro; five brothers, Tommy Thomas and his wife, Donette, Russell Thomas and his wife, Janell, Phillip Thomas and his wife, Linda, Michael Thomas, and Jerry Thomas and his wife, Shelley all of Lafayette; and ten nieces and nephews. Jimmy is also survived by his three dearly loved 'feline children', Arthur, Willie and Gracie. He was preceded in death by his father Kenneth N. Thomas. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 9:30 am until the time of service. A Celebration of Life will be held at Oakbourne Country Club on Friday, June 6, 2008 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm for family and friends to honor Jimmy's memory. The family would like to offer a special thanks to Dennis Smith and his wife Mary for opening their lovely home to a weekly men's prayer group who devotedly prayed for Jimmy's well-being and for the intentions of others who requested their prayers. The friendship and spiritual support of Dennis and Mary will always be remembered and valued by the family. Members of the Thomas family would also like to thank Hospice of Acadiana and their staff at Lafayette General Medical Center for their dedication and assistance during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hospice of Acadiana, 2600 Johnston Street, Suite 200, Lafayette, Louisiana 70503; or to The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030. Personal condolences may be sent to the Thomas family at www.delhommefuneralhome.com. Delhomme Funeral Home, 1011 Bertrand Drive, Lafayette, will be in charge of the arrangements.

James Allen Thomas

September 20, 1950 - May 28, 2008