James William Thomas

James William Thomas, 68, of South Franklin Township, died Friday, May 30, 2014, in Donnell House. He was born February 19, 1946, in Washington, a son of the late Albert L. Thomas and Emma Sylvia Scott Thomas. Mr. Thomas worked at Jessop Steel for 39 years. He was a union representative for United Steel Workers Local 1141, past president of McGuffey Football Boosters and member of South Franklin Park Committee. He was very involved in local youth sports teams, South Franklin Youth Baseball, Lagonda-Log Pile Youth Football and McGuffey Youth Football. In addition, he umpired for Ten Mile Valley Baseball and Softball and Washington Youth Baseball and Softball, and coached McGuffey Junior High Football and McGuffey High School Girls’ Softball. Mr. Thomas played softball for Jessop Steel, Sol Mintz and the Claysville Legion and bowled for the Jessop League. He also enjoyed golfing, hunting, fishing and spending time with family. On September 25, 1965, he married his wife of 48 years, Janet Teegarden, who survives. Also surviving are a son, Robert J. Thomas of Washington; three daughters, Marsha (Eric) Graham of West Alexander, Jean Thomas of Bridgeville and Rebecca King of Washington; six grandchildren, Jessica, Levi, Nicole, Jenna, Austin and Ashley; two step-grandchildren, Amanda and Faith; a great-grandchild, Halynn; and several special nieces and nephews. Deceased are brothers, Albert and Robert; and a sister, Helen. Friends will be received Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., in William G. Neal Funeral Homes, Ltd., 925 Allison Avenue, Washington, where services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, June 3rd, with Rev. Keith Hornung officiating. Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Gardens, McMurray. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society, 331 South Main Street, Washington, PA 15301, or to American Heart Association, Four Gateway Center, 444 Liberty Avenue, Ste. 1300, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1207