James E. 'Jim' Thomas, 84

James E. "Jim" Thomas, 84, of Bigfork, died Sept. 29, 2006, at Brendan House in Kalispell after a long illness.

He was born March 19, 1922, in Breckenridge, Minn., where he lived until he entered the service in 1943. He returned home in 1945 and in 1946, married Bobbie Stephens of Williston, N.D.

He worked at the Breckenridge post office until 1958, at which time they moved to Billings. There, they operated a Big Boy drive-in for 20 years. After retiring, they moved to Bigfork and have made their home there since. He especially enjoyed his cherry orchard every summer.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, at the family home; one son, Dave Thomas, and wife, Mary, and grandson, Andy, of Kalispell; a brother, Cliff Thomas, of Belle Fourche, S.D.; and several nieces and nephews, including Donna Lawson of Bigfork.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2006, in the Johnson Mortuary Chapel, with burial afterward at the Lone Pine Cemetery in Bigfork with military honors. In lieu of flowers, it is suggested that memorials be sent to the Bigfork QRU, 810 Grand Ave., Bigfork, MT 59911 or a charity of your choice.

Johnson Mortuary and Crematory is caring for Jim's family.