Jim Thomas

James (Jim) Kenneth Thomas, age 86, of Alpena, AR passed away Sunday, April 28, 2024. He was born June 18, 1937, in Dawson Creek, KY, the youngest child of James M. and Eva (Lindsey) Thomas.

Jim graduated in 1945 from Wheatridge High School, Wheatridge, CO. He then married Dorris Lindahl, and they had two children, Linda and Kelly. His family was the light of his life. They always had a very special place in his heart.

He found his true passion early in his life when he started rodeoing. He rode bulls and bareback horses.  Which led him to become the cowboy that we all knew and loved.

His adult life was spent raising registered Quarter horses and Appaloosa’s. Many of his friends and family have had one of his horses at some time in their life.

He also trained horses, showed horses and was a Quarter horse and Buckskin Association Judge for many years. He traveled most of the United States judging horse shows.

He retired as Grounds Manager from the Jefferson County Fairgrounds in the early 90’s and then moved to Alpena, AR taking his horses with him where his passion continued. Jim was a horseshoer, until the age of 86.

Jim never knew a stranger. As soon as you met him, you were friends. If you made the cut, you usually got a nickname. He always had a story to tell, and you couldn’t help but to be drawn in. Most of the time the details were factual, but even if they weren’t, it was definitely a believable story, that always ended with a laugh.  

Jim is survived by his daughter Linda Brady, granddaughters Melissa Gafford and her husband Ron and Erica Brady, great-grandchildren Tristen Farris and his wife Lili, Carissa Farris, Emmeranne Perez and his lifelong friend Bonnie Mclaughlin.

He is preceded by in death by his parents, son James Kelly Thomas, brother Paul Thomas, sisters Gladys Young, Capitola Claxton, and Connie Roth.

Jim’s family would like to say, “Thank You,” to all of Jim’s friends for everything you have done for him. And a very special, “Thank You,” goes out to Darren Wise and Ronnie Carpenter for your love and care for Jim.

Celebration of Life Memorial Service for Jim will be 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Green Forest Cowboy Church with Bro. Billy Williams officiating.

Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhome.net.

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