James Owen Thomas

James O. Thomas, V.M.D., 78, of Laporte, PA, formerly of Havertown, PA, died January 25, 2016. Born July 30, 1937, in Nanticoke, he was a son of the late Stephen Charles and Mildred Thomas. He married Alice "Kay" Gessner on June 13, 1964. They celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary this past year. Jim was a graduate of Nanticoke High School, Wilkes College and the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine. He was the sole practioner for 47 years at the Eagle Veterinary Clinic in Havertown, PA and member of state and national veterinary associations. During this time, in addition to his small animal practice, he volunteered with local cat rescue organizations. He was recognized by one organization as "spending countless hours devoted to the well-being of the cats and the volunteers who care for them." In 2013, he retired to his beloved summer home of over 40 years on Lake Mokoma in Laporte, PA. He was an active member of National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors (NAWCC) and spent much of his free time repairing and restoring antique American clocks. From 1982 through 1997, Jim and Kay were proprietors of "Someplace Special", a collectible and craft shop in Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. He was an avid Philadelphia Flyers, Phillies, and Eagles fan. One of Jim's greatest pleasures was hosting family and friends with chicken-free meals. Jim is survived by his wife Alice "Kay" Thomas of Laporte; two sons, Jim Thomas and his wife Jen of Indiana, PA and David Thomas and his wife Heather of Painted Post, N.Y.; two grandchildren, Zachary and Jessica Thomas; brother, Stephen "Charlie" Thomas, D.D.S. and wife Peggy; friends that were an extended family too numerous to mention; and his beloved pets Rudy, Nick and Nora. Arrangements/services are private. The family suggests that those interested in making a memorial contribution do so to the Laporte Volunteer Fire Company PO Box 31, Laporte, PA, CatNIP Animal Rescue, www.catniprescue.org, or charity of their choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the P. Dean Homer Funeral Home, 206 Water St., Dushore, PA 18614 To send condolences or sign the e-guestbook, please go to www.homerfuneralhome.com. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Owen Thomas, please visit our flower store.