James F. Thomas

James F. Thomas age 92, a lifelong resident of Hastings and Rutland Township, died peacefully in his sleep Wednesday April 16, 2008 at Thornapple Manor, Hastings. Jim or France as many of his friends and family knew him, was a farmer all his life. He was also employed for Bell Telephone Co., Consumers Power, several years at Eaton's in Battle Creek and the E.W. Bliss Co in Hastings for 7 years. He spent 41 years farming and retired in 1991. Jim was married to Zona G. Neil June 16, 1940. He was an avid deer hunter and fisherman, Jim would tell many a tale of the one that got away and the deer that did not. He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Zona Thomas of Hastings, his son, James Robert (Joy) Thomas of Buchanan, Mi., and a daughter, Judy Thomas of Kingston Springs, Tenn., 4 grandchildren, Kelly, Lauri, Kati and Lee, 10 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers and 9 sisters. James surely will be missed by all. Visitation will be held Thursday from 6-8pm at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be held Friday April 18, 2008 at 11:00am at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Pastor Donald Brail officiating, burial will be at Rutland Twp. Cemetery. Memorials can be made to Thornapple Manor in Hastings. Arrangements are by the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. You may leave a message or memory to the family at (girrbachfuneralhome.net).