James Thomas

The community of Artesia lost one of its sons, March 3, 2025 when James Thomas reunited with his wife Janice Caudle Thomas in Heaven. A memorial service or Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

James was born in Artesia, August 13, 1951 to Pat and Gray Thomas. At a very young age, he began tinkering with tools and wood in his father's workshop and eventually became a gifted carpenter and woodworker whose talent could only be rivaled by his father.

As a teenager, James worked alongside Gray. The two, are responsible for many homes and structures in Artesia today. James graduated from Artesia High School in 1969 and migrated between Artesia, Mogollon, NM and Albuquerque for several years until he met and married Janice Caudle of Hobbs. The two had a daughter Jennifer Thomas, and eventually settled in Artesia where they were a center force for an enormous group of friends and family.

James wore many hats. He was little Jamsie, James, J.T., Uncle James, Mr. Thomas at Job Corps, and even Santa. But nothing gave him more pride than being called "Daddy".

He was immeasurably talented and intelligent, very loyal and kind, funny, quietly thoughtful and incredibly hardworking. He was a Leo and he had the heart of a lion. He loved his family, friends, town, his beautiful state and his country. He was an outdoorsman and an early conservationist as he loved this Earth and did all he could to care for it.

He is preceded in death by his parents and wife Janice. His brothers, Robert and Gerry Thomas, Sisters-in-law Linda and Peggy Thomas, brother-in-law Brodie L. Caudle and nieces Juliet Caudle and Amber Thomas Wells.

He is survived by his daughter Jennifer. Nephews, Joe Cain, Michael Thomas, Brodie Stark and Steven (Jinny) Thomas. His nieces, Stacie (Jeff) Turpen, Debbie (James) Evans, Kyra (Jason) Maclaughlin and Michele Patanella. Cousins, Jennifer Ashabranner and Melissa Fagan and sister-in-law, Jean Patanella.

A community of tightly bonded friends also mourn James far and wide. Honorary pallbearers include Robert, Ed and Jim Parsons, Casey Johnson, Steve Williams, John Jacobs, Richard Martin, Thomas Santo and all of his pool buddies and friends from the Moose and Elks lodges.

James was quietly giving and generous. If you'd like to honor his memory with a charitable donation, please do so to a charity of your choice. Suggestions include The Wounded Warrior Project, Ronald McDonald House, Children's Miracle Network or St. Jude's Foundation.

"In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:2