James Thomas
James Copleigh Thomas, a longtime resident of Ashland and son of the late Lelia Waddy and James Henry Thomas, died July 10, 2009, at the age of 95 in Newport Beach, Calif., where he had been a resident for the past five years.
James was a World War II U.S. Navy veteran, a deacon of the New Hope Baptist Church; a 32nd-degree Mason and a devoted son, brother, husband, father and grandfather.
He was known throughout the community of Ashland for his generosity, wit, courage, persistence, commitment to excellence and integrity.
He will be lovingly remembered by his friends; a daughter, Hermione Thomas Saunders; a son, Dr. James Henry Thomas; five grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday at Golden Oaks Memorial Gardens.
Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Condolences may be sent to steenfuneralhomes.com.