James E. Thomas

James Eligio Bruno Thomas of Youngstown, lovingly known as Jim and Papa, passed away the early morning of April 3, 2024 at the age of 84.

Jim was born November 25, 1939 in Visinada, Italy, the son of the late Albert A. Thomas and Eleanor Albanese Thomas.

He was a 1959 graduate of Chaney High School and served in the United States Marine Corps and The Ohio National Guard. He was honorably discharged and then went on to be a welder for fifteen years at both William B. Pollock and Republic Steel. After welding, he was an investigator at the Mahoning Country Department of Human Services, which is where he would end up meeting his future wife, Sandra. He then went on to be an auxiliary at the Austintown Police Department and retired as a Sergeant in 2002 from the Youngstown Police Department. During his time as a police officer he was often referred to as “Dad” by many of his colleagues.

Jim was known for his witty sense of humor, and having a tough exterior with a heart of gold on the inside. His hobbies included fishing, gardening, playing in the band at St. George Croatian Center, and taking his family out to Lake Milton on his boat. He also had a great love for animals, of which he had many ponies, goats, guinea pigs, hamsters, and dogs over the years. His most cherished dogs were Roscoe, who was his loyal companion until 2022, and Lina who will miss her morning cuddles and walks at Austintown Park with him.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Sandra Carcella Thomas. The two got married under a palm tree in Inverness, Florida on November 10, 1987 (The Marine Corps birthday so he wouldn't forget). They spent over 40 years together making each other laugh and loved going to music in the park, sailing on the lake, and attending local festivals.

Jim was a devoted and loyal man to his family, all of whom will deeply miss him. Son Anthony (Christine) Thomas of Lake Worth, Florida and daughter JoEllen (Tom) Gelonese of Canfield. Grandchildren Gina Thomas of Charlotte, North Carolina and Mark and Madison Thomas of Lake Worth, Florida; Granddaughters Nicole (Evan) Gelonese-Glenn of Austintown, and Natalie (Jesse Ferraro) Gelonese of Austintown. He always referred to Nicole and Natalie as his “little girls,” and they had a very adventurous childhood with their Papa. From riding their ponies Cookie and Oreo on his farm, to being taken up on the roof without grandma’s permission, there was never a dull moment.

Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his mother-in-law Helen Szabat Carcella and brother-in-law David Carcella.

Family and friends may call from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at Vaschak-Kirila Funeral Home in Youngstown, followed by a service given by Deacon William Wainio.

Jim’s family would like to thank his caring neighbor, Terri Sebastiano, for all the love and support she has given over the years to both Jim and Sandi, especially throughout the last few months. They also send a sincere and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Michael Frangopoulos and his staff, the doctors and nurses at St. Elizabeth Hospital downtown, especially Nurse Jaimie, and the nurses and staff at Park Vista Rehabilitation Center, especially Nurse Amanda. Last, but most certainly not least, they want to thank all of Jim’s long time friends and family who visited Jim at his home, in the hospital, and in rehab. He was a one of a kind man who will be missed by many and loved always

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