THOMAS
Jimmy Evan Thomas, 68, of Sparta, IL; born on March 20, 1951 in DuQuoin, IL; passed away on Wednesday, December 25, 2019 in Harrisburg, IL.
Jimmy lived his life in wonder and adventure. He was a motorcycle enthusiast. He was proud to have owned some of the sharpest Harleys and choppers around Southern Illinois through the ’70s and ’80s. Jimmy had a natural and distinct style, influenced by his travels in the Southwest and expressed in leather and suede fringe jackets, hand-crafted turquois and silver jewelry or by his signature look of leathers and a do-rag. As much as Jimmy cherished any possession of his, he would happily hand it all over to anyone, whether he knew them or not, if he thought they could use a hand in life. He was generous to a fault, but that is one of the things that made him stand apart from most. Jimmy was kind in a world that needs more kindness. He was also funny. He had a quick wit and was infamous for some epic childhood pranks. Jimmy was also gifted in creative art. At times in his life, he dabbled in painting and sculpting, creating some impressive pieces, expressing his interest in spirits and his passion for wolves. Jimmy loved music. If you take a minute to listen to Emmylou Harris, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Rolling Stones or most old classic rock artists, you’ll be listening to the soundtrack of Jimmy Evan’s life.
He was preceded in death by his parents – Evan “Jim” and Colleen, nee Jones, Thomas. Paternal Grandparents – Evan and Prascilla Thomas Sr. Maternal Grandparents – Thomas and Katie Jones. Brother-in-law – Sherman W. Lehr.
He is survived by Three Sisters – Carla Thomas of Waterloo, IL; Cindy (Richard) Zanders of Coulterville,IL; Katherine Lehr of Oakdale, IL. Six Nieces – Kelley (John Danos) Lehr, Kimberly (David) Frazier, Valerie (Chris) Lehr-Heggemeier, Andrea (Brock) Baldwin, Jessica Laudando, and Katie (Joe) Keller. One Nephew – Wesley Zanders. Many Great Nieces and Nephews.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.
Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.heilschuessler.com.
Visitation: Friends may call at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on Saturday, December 28, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Funeral: Services will be held at Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL on Saturday, December 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Dennis Hamilton officiating.
Interment: Burial will be held at Coulterville Cemetery in Coulterville, IL.
Heil-Schuessler & Sinn Funeral Home in Sparta, IL is in charge of arrangements
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I remember him from when I grew up in Coulterville. I had ran into him when he lived in Chester and moist recently at a nursing home in Pinckneyville when he and my sister-in-law were both staying there. He never failed to remember my brother(Kevin) or me. Ride your bike and rest easy Heavy Metal.
ReplyOne of the most beautiful and heart felt obituary I have ever read.
It’s as if You had Jimmy channeling through you.
Anyone who ever met him knows what a kind gentle soul he was.
Our deepest sympathy to all your family, he will be missed.
I was saddened by the news of Jimmy’s passing. He almost always brought a smile to my face! I think the biggest laughs I ever had was with him ot about him! He was so funny! Sending my sincerest sympathies to his family. Rest in peace Heavy Dude. I’m glad I knew ya! Loved ya❤
ReplyI remember when him,Bruce Ring, and me went to Trader Bobs in St Louis and got tattoos. A whole lot of good memories. A one of a kind true original.
ReplySo sorry for your loss.
ReplyHe took me to visit dad in prison. Approved of my husband,37 years ago when we started dating. I hold a special place in my heart for him & his family.
ReplyThis site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
He took me to visit dad in prison. Approved of my husband,37 years ago when we started dating. I hold a special place in my heart for him & his family.
So sorry for your loss.
I remember when him,Bruce Ring, and me went to Trader Bobs in St Louis and got tattoos. A whole lot of good memories. A one of a kind true original.
I was saddened by the news of Jimmy’s passing. He almost always brought a smile to my face! I think the biggest laughs I ever had was with him ot about him! He was so funny! Sending my sincerest sympathies to his family. Rest in peace Heavy Dude. I’m glad I knew ya! Loved ya❤
One of the most beautiful and heart felt obituary I have ever read.
It’s as if You had Jimmy channeling through you.
Anyone who ever met him knows what a kind gentle soul he was.
Our deepest sympathy to all your family, he will be missed.
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I remember him from when I grew up in Coulterville. I had ran into him when he lived in Chester and moist recently at a nursing home in Pinckneyville when he and my sister-in-law were both staying there. He never failed to remember my brother(Kevin) or me. Ride your bike and rest easy Heavy Metal.