Jim Thomas of Walnut Creek, CA passed away peacefully in Tustin CA. on September 22, 2021. Jim was born and raised in Pittsburg CA. into a loving family. He was particularly close to his mother Lucy and his Nana Angelina Camera who lived with the family along with his father James, his oldest brother Leonard, sister Teresa, and brother Edwin. Like many families in Pittsburg at that time, the Thomas family was a bi-lingual household. Jim spoke fluent Italian his entire life, was proud of his Italian heritage, and loved traveling to Italy, which he did on multiple occasions. After graduating from Pittsburg High School in 1962 Jim tried his hand at a variety of jobs before settling into the tire and automotive business. During that time, Jim fell in love with and married Frances Ferrante the daughter of Joseph and Nora Ferrante in 1968. The newlyweds lived in West Pittsburg but as the family started to grow, they bought a home in Walnut Creek, CA.

Jim worked in the tire and auto business for 25 years. He was the Manager for Adler Automotive for 16 years before starting his own business, Jim's Broadway Tire and Automotive in Walnut Creek in 1982. Jim became very active in the Walnut Creek Community, including the Jaycees and other civic groups, where he developed strong business relationships and many lifelong friends. When the automotive industry was devastated by the recession, Jim and Fran started an antique linen and lace business, Linen Merchant, which they built from the ground up and into a successful enterprise for 27 years.

Jim was a devout Catholic, which was the cornerstone of his character. Jim's charisma was infectious to all that met him. He had a warm, engaging personality, which benefited him as making friends came easy for Jim. Jim loved to laugh, loved Italian music, told unlimited stories about his life experiences, and loved to go on walks to enjoy the fresh air. One of Jim's lifelong passions was spending time with his family and friends enjoying good food, wine, gardening, cooking, and especially attending his grandchildren's' sporting events and activities.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Lucy and James Thomas, his beloved wife Fran of 47 years, his brothers Leonard and Edwin. He is survived by his sister Teresa Sullivan (husband Chuck), his daughter Noreen Sumpter and son Jimmy Thomas (wife Victoria), his longtime companion and confidant Len Moreau, his brother-in-law Joseph Ferrante (wife Caterina), and sister-in-law Earlene Thomas, along with
his beloved grandchildren: Deanne, Holden, and Camrin Dannelly; Cameron Parsons, Reagan Thomas, and Michael Sumpter, and his nieces Shirley Carillo, Karen Lopez, Giuliana and Teresa Ferrante, and nephew Giovanni Ferrante.

What a gift to have had a front row seat and a backstage pass to your love, generosity, and kindness!

Funeral services will be held on: Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at St. Mary's Church 2039 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, viewing from 9:00 –10:00am Funeral liturgy will begin at 10:00am. Committal services following at Holy Cross Cemetery 2200 E 18th St., Antioch.