William James "Jim" Thomas, of Custer, SD and formerly of Ajo, Arizona, died on January 10, 2012 at Custer Regional Senior Care. He was born June 7, 1915 in Arroyo Grande, CA to Alfred and Ethel Jane Thomas. He grew up in the mining community of Globe, Arizona where he first developed his lifelong interest in minerals and rock collecting. He was one of 35 Mining Engineers graduating from the University of Arizona in 1940. His new career was interrupted when he enlisted and proudly served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. He became a Captain and was the squadron commander and photographic officer for the 13th Air Depot Group in the Asiatic-Pacific Theatre of Operations in New Caledonia and Biak Island.

On September 5, 1942 he married the love of his life, Charlotte McGrath, in San Antonio, TX. He was sent overseas two months later. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary last year.

After the war, Jim returned to Ajo, Arizona to work for Phelps Dodge Corporation as a Mining Engineer. He retired in 1980. He was a lifelong member of AIME (American Institute of Mining, Metallurgical, and Petroleum Engineers). He served on the Western Pima County Community Council after his retirement.

He was always busy and had many hobbies. He owned and flew an airplane before he had a driver's license. His interest in photography continued after the war and he became a professional photographer. His corporate photos for Phelps Dodge received several national awards and he was known in Ajo for taking school and wedding pictures. He was a well known mineral collector and made many friends through this hobby. He was considered an authority on Ajo minerals. He was awarded a lifelong subscription to the Mineralogical Record Magazine after submitting an award winning article. Groups from all over the world came to visit him to collect and learn about these minerals. Six specimens from his collection are being featured in the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show being held in February 2012.

He was an active member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Ajo and served as the Finance Officer for many years.

He was a loving, caring and
generous man. His family, including a long list of extended relatives, was most important to him. His home was open and welcoming to all. He had a "sweet tooth" and was known to encourage everyone around to indulge with him in a bowl of ice cream or just one more piece of pie. During his later years, he still enjoyed his daily cups of coffee with 6 teaspoons of sugars, please.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte of Custer, SD and Ajo, Arizona; daughters, Charlotte (Dennis) Strutton of Rio Linda, CA; Carol (Bob) Jorgensen of Custer, SD; grandchildren, Jennifer (David) Johnson of Alliance, NE; Tyson (Diana) Jorgensen of Custer, SD; 5 great grandsons; 1 great-great grandson; two nephews, Bill (Lora Lee) Thomas of Tempe, AZ and John (Nan) Thomas of San Diego, CA.

Visitation will be at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, Jan 18th 2012, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Custer. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 am on Thursday, Jan 19th 2012, at the church. Interment will follow at Black Hills National Cemetery.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of McColley's Chapel of the Hills in Custer. Written condolences may be made at www.mccolleyschapels.com.