James Curtis Thomas

On Friday, August 30^th, 2024, James Curtis Thomas, 72, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior.  A private family graveside service will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at Resthaven Memorial Park Cemetery in Midland with the Reverend Bill Billett officiating.  A public visitation celebrating his life will be held at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home on Wednesday, September 4, 2024 from 4:30pm-6:30pm.

Mr. Thomas was born in Crane, TX July 6, 1952 to Erlene and Curtis Thomas of McCamey, TX.  He attended McCamey schools graduating in 1970.  He attended West Texas State University in Canyon, TX for a couple of years before transferring to Texas Tech University where he studied business.  While there, he met and married the love of his life, Karen Ulan.  They were richly blessed with 51 years together and their two amazing sons, Tres James Thomas and Jarod Curtis Thomas.  James had great joy in watching and coaching his boys in all their sports activities.

James was affectionately known as “Popa” by their much-adored grandchildren; granddaughter Madison Lynn Thomas of Seattle, WA, Tatum Cate Thomas in Heaven, Callyn Joy Thomas of Midland, TX, Campbell Anne Thomas of Midland, TX and grandson Jace Curtis Thomas of Midland, TX.

James’ business career consisted of owning Mustang Mobile Home Sales in Odessa, TX to being a sole proprietor in the oil and gas industry for over 40 years owning small oil and gas companies, JC Thomas Oil and Thomas Resources.  He also spent 30 years in the banking industry serving on the Board of First National Bank Monahans, TX (TexStar Bank) and Security State Bank of McCamey, TX and lastly as chairman/CEO of Security Bank Midland, TX.  James was a member of First Baptist Church in Midland, TX.

James is survived by his wife Karen of Midland, TX; his sons Tres Thomas and Jarod Thomas and wife Paige and four of his grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Maribette and husband Max Mainord of  Andrews, TX, nieces Michele and husband Doyle Weishuhn of Andrews, TX, nephew Marcus and wife Jamie Mainord of Ft. Worth, TX, niece Marissa and husband Kris Lundberg of Midland, TX, brother in law Mike Ulan and wife Maryann of Tyler, TX, sister in law Deborah Ulan Martin of Andrews, TX, niece Shanon and husband Brian Jefcoats and niece Robin and husband Jason Harper of Andrews, TX.

James is preceded in death by precious angel granddaughter Tatum Cate Thomas, his parents Curtis and Erlene Thomas and younger sister Jolene Thomas.

Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, The Parkinsons Foundation or Hospice of Midland.

James’ immediate family would like to express their appreciation to the employees of Scharbauer Cottage of Manor Park.  They are especially grateful to the staff of the Younger Center and Hospice of Midland for their love, care and compassion for not only James but also his loved ones.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory in Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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