James W. Thomas
November 28, 1936 - January 10, 2023
Visitation: Friday, 9:00 a.m. until time of Service at 11:00 a.m.; Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., Ross Twp.
James W. Thomas, 86, of The North Hills, Pittsburgh, passed away peacefully January 10, 2023, surrounded by the love of his family at UPMC Passavant.
Jim was born November 28, 1936 to the late Evelyn Hall on the Northside of Pittsburgh. He was a Christian by faith and a member of North Hills United Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh. Jim was a well respected piping and mechanical draftsman, working at many different companies and passing his knowledge on to countless professionals in the business.
He loved all things Pittsburgh, especially the Steelers, in addition to a great love of boating and cars. Most of all, he loved his family, and he cherished every moment spent with them. No birthday, anniversary, or holiday went by without a card and a phone call from Jim.
Jim was predeceased by his loving wife, LaVerne, in 1987.
Jim is survived by his devoted children: Darrell (Amy) Thomas, Kevin (Kathy) Thomas, and Diane (Adel) Frenn, and his loving grandchildren: Melissa Stapel (Scott Varhola) and their children, James (Erin) Thomas, Andreah (Zack) Riedel, and Justin Frenn.
Also surviving is Jim’s loving companion of 30 years, Mary Cannella, of Bellevue, and her children.
Friends received Friday 9:00 a.m. until time of service at 11:00 a.m. at Devlin Funeral Home, Inc., 806 Perry Hwy, North Hills.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to North Hills United Presbyterian Church, 100 Bellevue Ave, Pittsburgh, Pa 15229.
Jim has been a kind and loving family member who found great joy in generously gifting others, especially children. Many years ago, he portrayed Santa Claus at annual family gatherings and enjoyed seeing the excitement in the eyes of others. He hosted his own Kennywood day by purchasing tickets for all the family children and teens (and thought of spending money for special games, snacks and drinks) He loved the annual back to school season and enjoyed providing hand selected supplies for each child! We will miss Jim terribly until we meet again, ALRIGHT? Rest peacefully Jim; we love you so very much! ❤️🙏🏻
Laurie and Greg Cannella and family.
My sympathies and prayers go out to the entire family.
My prayers are with all of you. May he rejoice in heaven with your mom.