James Lloyd Thomas, Jr.

Kaplan—A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, June 7, 2023 at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Roman Catholic Church honoring the life of James Lloyd Thomas, Jr., 74, who passed away peacefully Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Ochsner Lafayette General Medical Center surrounded by his family.  He will be laid to rest at Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Cemetery with Reverend Mark Miley officiating the services.

James was born February 25, 1949, in Winnfield, Louisiana to James Lloyd Thomas, Sr. and Mary Lee Cotton Thomas. James graduated from Winnfield High School in 1968.  He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with Minors in Accounting and Management from Northwestern State University in 1972 and a Master of Science Degree in Environmental Science from Chadwick University.

James excelled in whatever work was placed before him. He previously worked as Deputy Clerk of Court in Vermilion Parish and for a flying service, where he became a pilot. However, for over forty years of his life he was employed in oilfield services where he had roles in accounting, environmental compliance, and organizational management. His work in oilfield services led him to collaborating with the California Air Resource Board on regulations and speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. regarding rig engine emissions.

James never met a stranger, always engaging others with a smile and warm conversation. He always saw the best in people and was always willing to lend a helping hand. James encouraged people to pursue their goals and to work hard to be the best at whatever they chose to do. James loved people and would make time to help anyone. However, his greatest loves were his wife, Cathy and daughter, Mary who he devoted his life to.

He is survived by his daughter, Mary Thomas Perron and husband, Adrian; his brothers, Bruce Thomas and wife, Charlotte and Mark Thomas and wife, Connie; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Carl and Deborah Comeaux and, Jeffery and Terri Comeaux; his goddaughter, Jillian Comeaux Handler and her husband, Cameron; his nephews and their families; and lifelong friends, L.C. and Alma Ingles who served as best man and maid of honor at his wedding.

He was preceded in death by his wife of fifty-one years, Catherine Comeaux Thomas; infant daughter Thomas, his parents, James Lloyd Thomas, Sr. and Mary Lee Cotton Thomas; and his sister, Sandra Kaye Thomas Gilmore.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Ave., on Tuesday, June  6, 2023 from 4:00 PM until 9:00 PM with a rosary being prayed at 7:00 PM Wednesday, June  7, 2023 from 8:00 AM until 9:45 AM when the procession departs for the church.