James E. Thomas, 94, passed away on Wednesday, July 16, 2014 surrounded by his family at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center. James was born August 25, 1919 in Rutherford County, Tennessee to Arthur and Alice (Preston) Thomas. James served in the United States Army during World War II. During his service, he was the recipient of a Bronze Star and Victory Medal. Along with his brother Bill, James was honored to see the World War II Memorial in Washington, DC during a recent Honor Flight. James was a charter member of Echo Meadows Church of Christ where he served as an Elder. He was the Past President of Toledo N.W.O. Restaurant Association and a Board of Director for Michigan Christian College. James worked for Bud and Luke'™s Restaurant for 57 years and he and his wife, Raida, were the owners for 32 years. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Ronald (Pat) Thomas; daughter, Karen (Edward) Shepherd; grandchildren, Kathleen (Scott) Passon, James (preceded in death by Linda) Shepherd, Gregory (Leah) Thomas, Jennifer (Michael) Howard, Karla (Matthew) Brent; great grandchildren, Morgan (Josh) Hester, Kaitlynn (Burton) Wood, Megan (Brian) Lewallen, Kasey Thomas, Garrett Thomas, Miah Brent, Brandy (Eric) Schuffenecker, Kevin Howard and Kristina Howard; great great grandchildren, Tucker, Bria Lynn, Kendall, Paisley and Ryder; brother, William Thomas; sister, Pearl Gifford. He was preceded in death by his wife, Raida; parents; sisters, Margaret Laas and Bonnie Rogge. Friends may visit at the Eggleston Meinert & Pavley Funeral Home, Oregon Chapel, 440 S. Coy Rd. on Friday, July 18, 2014 from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2014 at Echo Meadows Church of Christ, 2905 Starr Ave., Oregon, Ohio where the family will greet friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be in Toledo Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be directed to Echo Meadows Church of Christ Building Fund.