James R. "Yumish" Thomas

 James R. “Yumish” Thomas, 88, of Kittanning, passed away on Tuesday, May 4, 2021. He was born February 25, 1933 in Ford City, a son of the late Ralph L. and Anna C. (Pavlik) Thomas. James graduated from Ford City High School, Class of 1951, and stayed active in the class reunions and luncheons. He was known as “Yumish” to many friends. He married Kay (McCauley) on September 10, 1955, celebrating 65 years of marriage in 2020. He retired in 2012 after 54 years in the insurance profession, having owned Thomas Insurance for 28 years with his wife, Kay. James served in the Air Force in the Korean Conflict from 1953-1957 attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant, and spent over two years in Japan as aircraft Controller. He was of the Christian faith. He enjoyed outdoor activities, traveling in the Airstream, woodworking, cooking and gardening, but most of all, enjoying his family.

Left behind to cherish his memory includes his wife, Donna Kay (McCauley), of Kittanning; daughters, Kelly T. (Matt) Martin, of Savannah, GA and Traci T. (John) Walkosak, of Lakewood, OH; granddaughter, Claire E. Walkosak, of Lakewood, OH; grandson, Thomas James Walkosak, of Lakewood, OH; brother-in-law, Joseph M. Husar, of Kittanning; and nephews, Casey (Vanessa) Husar and Jason (Pam) Husar. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Charlotte Wright; sister-in-law, Sue Husar; and niece, Barbara Husar.

Friends will be received on Friday, May 7, 2021 from 4-7 p.m. at the Snyder-Crissman Funeral Home, 200 S. McKean St., Kittanning, Pa 16201. A funeral service will be held privately by the family at a later date. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery in Ford City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Orphans of the Storm, P.O. Box 838, Kittanning, PA 16201. Guests attending the visitation for James are respectfully asked to wear a mask or face covering and follow all CDC/PA Health Department health and safety protocols.  

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