James “T” Thomas
Posted: October 8, 2015
On the morning of Sunday, October 4, 2015, James “T” Thomas was called home. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by family. “T” was 76 years old. He was born in the town of Columbus, Mississippi on, December 18, 1938. He was the third child of Booker T. Thomas, Sr. and Mattie (Terrell) Thomas. James T. Thomas entered this world on December 18, 1938 as the third child born to Mr. and Mrs. Booker T. (Mattie), Sr. in Columbus, Mississippi. “T” as he was affectionately called, grew up in Columbus with his parents and his siblings, Johnny and Booker T. Jr. His quick wit and determination were evident in his youth, as he became a caddy and waiter at a local golf club. “T” shared the reason behind this determination with his youngest daughter, Audrey. “They were selling peanut butter crackers for a penny a piece, and I didn’t have a penny. So, I vowed that day I would never be broke. So I started my little hustle at the Country Club so I would never be broke, and never have to ask anybody for anything. I could take care of myself.” It was during his experience at the Country Club, he developed a passion for golf. Remembering his vow, “T” went on to graduate from R.E. Hunt High School, and earned bachelors and Master’s degrees from Mississippi Industrial College and Southwestern State University. At Mississippi Industrial College, he proved to be a “three-sport standout” In addition to football; he was a .300-hitting centerfielder, and a 9.6 dash man. He was able to sidestep basketball although he averaged at 16 points in high school. After College, “T” played for both the Dallas Cowboys and the Louisville Raiders of the United Football League before beginning a career with the Edmonton Eskimos which lasted nine seasons (he played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1970, but returned to Edmonton). During his career “Long Gone” as he was called, was a CFL All Star (1966, 1967), CFL West All Star (1965, 1966, 1967). “T” still holds the team record for the longest run (104 yd., October 9, 1965). “T” later became an educator and coach. He held coaching positions at (in no particular order), Noxubee County, and Houston High Schools (Mississippi), as well as Treadwell High School (Tennessee). His collegiate coaching career included Assistant Football and Track & Field Coach at Southwestern State University (Oklahoma), Head Football Coach at Mississippi Valley State University (Itta Bena), and Assistant Football Coach at The University of Mississippi (Oxford). “T” married the former Lillian Augusta High, and together they were parents to four children: Sheila, William, James (Yoshiko) and Audrey (Tarius), seven grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife Lillian, his parents Booker T. and Mattie Thomas, and one brother, Johnny. “T” leaves loving special memories for his brother, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held at Lee-Sykes Funeral Home on Friday, October 9, 2015 from 1:00-5:00 PM. Services will be held at the Columbus High School Gymnasium on Saturday, October 10, 2015 at 2:00 PM. Flowers may be sent to Lee-Sykes Funeral Home. Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.org, or to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org.