Jim Thomas

James Leonard Thomas, known to family and friends as Jim, passed away on July 3, 2026, at the age of 78.

Jim was born on January 31, 1948, in Smithville, Missouri, to William R. Thomas and Mary F. Thomas. He grew up in the Kansas City area and attended North Platte High School in Dearborn, Missouri. He proudly served his country in the United States Army and later dedicated his entire career to the Kansas City Southern Railroad.

One place always held a special place in Jim’s heart—the Griffith family farm near Ridgely, Missouri. Some of his happiest memories were made there with his grandparents, and those experiences stayed with him throughout his life. He loved sharing stories from the farm, especially tales about George the bull and the time, at around fourteen years old, that he became upset and decided to ride his bicycle nearly twenty-five miles to his grandparents’ farm. It was a story he enjoyed telling for years and one that became a family favorite, reflecting just how much the farm and his grandparents meant to him.

Jim’s connection to Kansas City remained important throughout his life. Over the years, he returned often to spend time with family and friends, attending family gatherings and holidays and staying connected to the people and traditions that had long been part of his life.
Sports were another constant, particularly his love for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals. A Chiefs season ticket holder for many years, Jim spent countless Sundays at Arrowhead Stadium with close friends, building friendships, traditions, and memories that lasted for decades. Whether he was at the stadium, watching a game with family or friends, or simply talking about the latest season, Kansas City sports were always a source of enjoyment for him.
In 2009, Jim came to live with his son James and his family. Over the next seventeen years, he had the opportunity to watch his grandchildren—Walker, Riley, Colton, and Linden—grow from young children into young adults. He enjoyed attending their baseball, football, and other sporting events and took pride in watching each of them grow. Sharing in their everyday lives became an important part of his later years.

Jim was a man of Baptist faith who appreciated life’s simple pleasures: a good story, time with family and friends, and Kansas City sports. Those who knew him will remember his stories from the Griffith farm, his loyalty to the Chiefs, and the many memories made with family and longtime friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, William R. Thomas and Mary F. Thomas.

He is survived by his children, James (Lacey), Jason (Kathie), and Jessica (Emilio); his grandchildren, Walker, Riley, Colton, Linden, William, Emily, Alaina, and Lio; his sister, Kathy Thomas; and many extended family members and longtime friends.

The family will be hosting funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at Ridgely Christian Church in Ridgely, Missouri. Burial with military honors will follow at Ridgely Cemetery.

Following the burial, family and friends are invited to return to the church for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

Jim’s life was shaped by the people and places that remained important to him—from the Griffith farm of his childhood, to Kansas City and the railroad where he spent his career, to the family who surrounded him in his later years. His stories, his love of Kansas City sports, and the memories he shared with family and friends will continue to be remembered and passed along.