Harry James “Jim” Thomas, 75, of Sunrise Acres Rd., Emporium, PA passed away at his residence on Saturday morning  (December 3, 2022) following a lengthy illness.

He was born July 28, 1947 in St. Marys, PA a son of the late Harry D. and Jean Lingenfelter Thomas. On February 24, 2018 in Emporium he married Beth Berry, who survives.

Jim graduated from Cameron County High School, Class of 1965. He worked for GTE Sylvania right out of high school and through college as a Materials Manager for 20 years before coming back to Emporium in 1985, where he worked for Pennsylvania Pressed Metals for 2 years. In 1987, he owned and operated The Happiness Inn with his then wife, Charli until 1990 when they purchased The Cabin Kitchen. They ran the Cabin together until her death, eventually selling the business in 2009.

His love for his community led him to run for County Commissioner, serving 2 terms from 2012-2019. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter Carmella whom he thought of as a daughter. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Emporium Country Club for over 52 years. He also enjoyed his weekly poker games and betting on sports with his friend Dick Green. 

In addition to his wife Beth he is survived by two daughters, Darlene (Jim) Morton and Anne (Randy) Horning, both of Emporium; a son, Robert (Tracy) Thomas, Tamaqua; two stepsons: Justin Austin of Irvonia and John Legersky of Emporium; one step daughter, Janelle Legersky of Emporium; eight Grandchildren: Christopher and Adam Barnett, of Emporium, Dustin Thomas, of Tamaqua, Kelsey (Tim) Smith of Zebulon, NC, Dylan, Eric, & Gavin Morton; all of Emporium, Carmella Austin of Emporium; Great Grandchildren Jack and Saylor Smith, Zebulon, NC; sister, Becky (Lowell) Fryxell, Emporium; brother, Tim (Ginger) Thomas, Pasadena, MD; sister-in-law, Carol Thomas, of Emporium.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Charlotte “Charli” Thomas in 2001; a son, Shannon Thomas in 1980; great granddaughter, Maisie Michelle Smith; and one brother, Arnold “Butch” Thomas.

Visitation with Video Tribute will be at the Barnett Funeral Home, 207 E. Fourth Street, Emporium, PA  on Wednesday (December 7, 2022) from 11:00 AM – 1:45 PM. with a funeral service to follow at 2:00 PM with Father Matthew Ryan, officiating. 

Burial will be take place in the Thomas-Ryan Cemetery, Emporium, PA.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the charity of the donors choice.

Online Condolences may be placed at www.BarnettFuneralHome.net

BARNETT FUNERAL HOME, Inc. entrusted with arrangements.