James Thomas

Darien – James Leonard Thomas, 51, died Tuesday, November 30, 2021, at his home under the care of his family and GHC Hospice.  Born in Jesup, he lived in McIntosh County all his life.  He was an avid deer hunter and enjoyed sitting by a roaring fire.  Beginning as a teenager and throughout life as a commercial fisherman, James was most at home on the water.  It was more than a means of making a living, it became a place of solace for him.  He often said how he loved the sound of the nets hitting the water.  Over the years he owned multiple shrimp boats, the first being Miss Haley and the last, The Twilight.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather to all girls and was known as Papa Doo.  He was a member of Darien Church of God.

Survivors are his wife of 30 years, Hope Whaley Thomas of Darien; daughters and son-in-law, Haley and Dexter Smith of Townsend, Morgan Thomas, and Hayden Thomas of Darien; granddaughters, Madelyn Smith and MaryJane Smith of Darien; in-laws, Pastors Tommy and Patricia Whaley of Darien.

Funeral services will be Friday, December 3 at 11 AM from Darien Church of God with Pastor Tommy Whaley officiating.  Burial will follow in St. Andrews Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday, December 2 from 6-8 PM at the church.

Active pallbearers will be Dexter Smith, Wayne Johnson, Jerry Whaley, Larry Thomas, Eddie Poppell, Sr., Robert Eastwood, Tim Gardner, and Shawn Hewitt.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of James Thomas, please visit our floral store.