James Henry Thomas, Jr., “Coach Thomas/ Daddypa,” 88, of Pecos, passed away on March 28 in Fort Worth, surrounded by family and friends.

James was born on March 29, 1937, to James H. Thomas and Cora Lee Thomas in Marathon. He later moved to Alpine and attended Alpine High School. He earned a scholarship to play baseball and attended Sul Ross State University, earning a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in education and administration.

He was part of the first-ever 1957 College NAIAWorld Series Championship baseball team at Sul Ross State University. He and his team were inducted into the Sul Ross Hall of Fame. He served in the US Army Reserves. Coach Thomas worked for the Pecos-Barstow-Toyah Independent School District for 45 years. During his time with the PBTISD, he was the head varsity baseball coach, varsity football coach, typing/ keyboarding teacher, and driver’s education instructor. He drove the longest bus run in the State of Texas for many years. Coach Thomas loved the Town of Pecos City very much. He was a member of the Church of Christ.

Coach Thomas was preceded in death by his father, James Henry Thomas of Alpine; his mother, Cora Lee Thomas-Laskey of Alpine; his brother Raymond Thomas of Lubbock, son James H. Thomas, III of San Antonio, his first wife Betty Thomas, Pecos, his grandson Jaxon Weidner of Odessa, granddaughter Eileen Gooding Orum of Caddo Mills, and grandson Ducie Weidner of Pecos.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Beverly Thomas of Pecos; brother Denny Thomas (Virginia) of Mustang, Oklahoma; four daughters, Betty Kay Perea (A Black) of Pecos, Debbie Welch (Bart) of Choctaw, Oklahoma, Brenda Grimsley (Brad) of Mustang, Oklahoma and Darcy Ard (Michael) of Timberlake, North Carolina, three sons, Wade Gooding (Pam) of Fort Worth, Robert (Bobby) Gooding (Sharon) of Stephenville, and Michael (Mickey) Thomas (Julie) of Fort Worth. He is also survived by 27 grandchildren, 51 great-grandchildren, and eight greatgreat- grandchildren.

Viewing was Friday, April 4, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Pecos Funeral Home. The funeral was held at the Pecos Church of Christ, 1321 W. 4th St, in Pecos, on April 5 at 11 a.m. Interment was at Elm Grove Cemetery in Alpine on April 5 at 4 p.m.