Robert James Thomas

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Robert James Thomas, 80, of Pinckneyville, passed away at 6:10 p.m., Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 at the St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis.

Jim had starting working at Dunn Brothers in Pinckneyville in 1954 when he returned from the Korean War.

In 1976 Jim become owner of Thomas Home Improvement. Jim was still very active in his business overseeing the day to day operations. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville and the United Methodist Men. He had been a member of the Pinckneyville Lions Club, Optimist Club and Chamber of Commerce and the American Legion.

Jim proudly served his country as a Corporal in the U.S. Army serving in the Korean War. He received the Korean Service Ribbon with one bronze star, United Nations Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal.

He was born at Swanwick, Ill. on April 21, 1931, the son of Charles Earl and Hallie (Tate) Thomas.

Jim married Mary M. McCollum on April 10. 1955 at the First United Methodist Church in Du Quoin and she preceded him in death on July 18, 2009.

He is survived by a daughter- Sherry Alexander and husband C.A., of Marion, Iowa, son- Eric Thomas and wife Terri of Aviston, Ill., grandchildren- Amy Lou Stevens and husband, Bill, of Marion, Iowa, Katie Jo Little and husband, Troy, of Marion, Iowa, Luke Thomas and Logan Thomas, both of Aviston, Ill., two great grandchildren- Charlie Jo Stevens and Ella Mary Little, both of Marion, Iowa, sister- Janet Thomas of Pinckneyville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and brother, Charles Earl Thomas, Jr.

Funeral services were at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville with Rev. Jim Barnett officiating.

Friends called from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday and from 9:00 a.m. until time of service Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church in Pinckneyville.

Burial was in the Sunset Memorial Park at Du Quoin.

Friends may make memorials to the First United Methodist Church of Pinckneyville or the donor's choice and will be accepted at the funeral home.

The Searby Funeral Home of Du Quoin was in charge of arrangements.

For additional information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.searbyfuneralhomes.com.