James William Thomas of Dublin, Ga., a volunteer fireman who worked for a construction fund, died unexpectedly on Sunday, May 25, 2014. He was 75.

“Jim enjoyed relaxing while drinking his coffee and watching sports,” his family wrote in a tribute. “He was a man you could go to for advice no matter how big or small the problem was.”

Born on Dec. 6, 1938 in Oneonta, N.Y., he retired from New York State University Construction Fund after 37 years of working. He was also a member of the Altamont Rescue Squad and the Altamont Fire Department as well as the Summit Fire Department for a number of years.  He was also a consistory mentor of Altamont Reformed Church.

“Jim loved to drive in his 1972 Chevy truck,” his family wrote. “He was always doing a project of some sort as he loved to keep busy.” 

He is survived by his wife, Lynda Jensen Thomas, of Dublin, Ga.; his sons, Robert Thomas and his wife, Deb, of Rexford, N.Y., Michael Thomas of Clifton Park, Randy Thomas of Menands, and Richard Ott and his wife, Donna, of Warner Robins, Ga.; his daughters, Robyn Stone and her husband, Theodore, of Dublin, Ga., and Becky Carman and her husband, Lee, of Guilderland; his brother-in-law, Robert Dresser, of Oneonta; two nephews, James and Steve Dresser; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

His parents, Byron and Esther Thomas, died before him as did his sister, Beverly Thomas-Dresser; they had all lived in Oneonta, N.Y.

A memorial service will be held at Altamont Reformed Church on Friday, May 30, at 2 p.m. with a reception to follow. Arrangements are by the Fredendall Funeral Home of Altamont and online condolences may be made at www.fredendallfuneralhome.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Altamont Fire Department, Altamont Rescue Squad, Altamont Reformed Church, or the Pinehill United Methodist Church of Dublin, Ga.