Tom James, Sr.

Tom James, Sr. 74, passed away peacefully at his home Friday, April 13, 2012 surrounded by his family.

Tom was born January 10, 1938 in Elbridge, Tennessee to Henry Thomas “Peck” and Laura Ellen (Cunningham) James. He was raised on a Tennessee farm, plowed fields with a team of horses, picked cotton, and completed his primary education in Tennessee and Michigan.

Tom joined the U.S. Army in 1955, attended college for a year, and on September 5, 1957, he married Joletta Lacy at the First Baptist Church in Prunedale, California. They were married for 54 years at the time of his passing.

As a boy, Tom loved building model cars and airplanes. When his son was of the appropriate ages, he helped with his Boy Scout troop and was an umpire in Little League Baseball. Tom loved hunting, fishing, camping, boating and waterskiing, and attending car races. Following his retirement, he joined the Classy Car Club with his 1970-71 Chevy that he built at his home.

Tom is survived by his wife, Joletta James; three children, Debra (Mark) Stuckey; Thomas “Tom” F. (Tia) James, Jr.; Peggy James (Whitt Harris); seven grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and two sisters, Mable Remaley and Grace Laurell.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Classy Car Club. This group uses these contributions in their charitable efforts in the community.

An informal gathering will be held Wednesday April 25, 2012, full details are listed in the "Service Schedule" tab. Please take a moment to share your condolences, a short story, or any photos of Thomas you wish to share with his family at this time.