James Thomas

James S. Thomas, 85, of Pangburn, died October 30, 2011 at his residence. Mr. Thomas was born November 25, 1925 in Natchez, Mississippi. He was born to the late Sam and Ivy Aldridge Thomas.

Mr. Thomas was member of the United States Army for 32 years and retired with the rank of First Sergeant. He served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. His awards are as follows: National Defense Service Medal w/Oak Leaf Cluster; Army Commendation Medal w/ 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster; Combat Medic Badge w/ 2nd Award; Senior Parachutist Badge; Army Occupation Medal (Germany); Korean Service Medal w/3 Bronze Stars; United Nations Service Medal; Combat Infantryman Badge; Silver Star; Bronze Star Medal w/ 3rd Oak Leaf Cluster; European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Vietnam Service Medal w/ 4 Bronze Stars; Vietnam Campaign Medal w/ 60 Device; Air Medal w/ 1st through 3rd Awards; Purple Heart w/ 4th Awards; seven Overseas Bars; Good Conduct Medal w/ 1st thru 5th Awards; Vietnam Cross of Gallantry w/ Palm.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers; Alton and Billy Thomas.

Those left to cherish Mr. Thomas in memory is his wife, Christel Thomas of Pangburn; and two sisters, Catherine Thomas, and Dorothy Young of Natchez, Mississippi.

Visiting hours will be held Wednesday, from 10-11 a.m at the Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home.

Funeral Services will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at the Henderson Cemetery in Pangburn under the direction of Searcy-McEuen Funeral Home.