Jim Thomas

Graveside Services for 87-year old Jim Thomas of Crawford, NE, are Friday, October 22, 2021 at 1:00 PM at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, NE.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Fire Department or Crawford Area Fund. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences may be left at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in Charge of Arrangements for Jim Thomas.

Jim was born on August 17,1934 to Mitchell and Tillie Mae Thomas in Crawford and passed on October 15, 2021, at his home.

Jim lived in Crawford almost all of his life. He graduated high school in 1953, then joined the Air Force, but was honorably discharged in 1955 because of a family hardship that caused him to be sent home to run the family business, Crawford Cold Storage.

Jim married Margaret Fluent in 1964 and together they raised three children: Kurt, Lance and Shelly. Jim and Margie bought the well-known Butcher Shop in 1966 and continued to run the business for 24 years before Jim decided to change professions.

Jim went to work for the Chicago and NorthWestern Railroad track department in 1979 and stayed with after it was sold to the Union Pacific in 1995. He retire in 2001.

Jim was elected to the Crawford City Council in 1968 and later served 2 terms as Mayor.

He enjoyed many outdoor activities including hunting, fishing, gardening and riding motorcycles. He belonged to many clubs and organizations including the rifle club, bowling league, the Elks Club, American Legion and many others.

Jim became interested in mountain man re-creation and built an authentic black powder rifle, tanned hides, and made authentic leather clothing. He even learned beadwork from a local woman.

He also did most of his own repairs and remodeling to his business and home. His grandchildren say “Grandpa can fix everything!”.

Jim was rather creative working with his hands and created many things out of wood, leather and metal. Even after his health began to rapidly deteriorate, he continued to make designer one-of-a-kind suspenders for family and friends with occasionally selling a few of them.

He was determined to keep busy and stay active at home – and he did until he rested for eternity on October 15th, 2021.

Jim was proceeded in death by Parents Mitchell and Tillie Thomas, Brother Bill Thomas of Phoenix, AZ; Son Kurt Miller

He is survived by Margie, his wife of 57 years; Children Lance (Jean) Thomas of Alliance and Shelly (Robert) Thiry of Chadron; Grandchildren Daniel (Katie) Thomas of Sundance, WY; Joelle Thomas of Spearfish, SD; Emmalynn, Isabelle and Olive Thiry of Chadron; Great-grandchild Colt Thomas of Sundance. WY.