Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Thomas Obituary
JAMES OKEY "STUMPY" THOMAS, 77, of Tornado passed away at home June 3, 2025, surrounded by his friends and family.
He loved his fur babies. He founded the Apache Motorcycle Club in 1998 and was the president of the club. He loved his Harley, riding side by side, fishing, camping and boating. Okey was the person if you knew him, he was a loyal friend for life. He was a 1966 graduate of Nitro High School. He retired from DOW Chemical and was a member of the Plumber and Pipefitters Union, Local 625.
He was preceded in death by his parents Iva Mae and Homer L. Thomas, Sr. and his brother Homer L. Thomas, Jr.
Left behind to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 22 years Sherri Thomas, daughter Tisha Shaver and husband Daniel of Nitro, son Scott Thomas and wife Felcia of NC, grandkids, Jake (Gracie) Graves of Tornado, Lyndsey (Jacob) Graves of Cross Lanes, Haley (Matt) Lozner of TN, Gretchen (Brooke) Thomas of OH, and great-granddaughter Sloane Lozner.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Heather Conwell, and nurse Jennifer and social worker Sarah from Hospice.
A Memorial Celebration of Stumpy's life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions to HospiceCare, 1606 Kanawha Blvd W, Charleston, WV 25387 https://www.hospicecarewv.org/make-a-donation/ or
Kanawha Charleston Humane Association, 1248 Greenbrier Street, Charleston, WV 25311 https://adoptcharleston.com/support#donate-today
Cooke Funeral Home & Crematorium, Nitro is assisting Stumpy's family and you may send condolences to the family at www.cookefuneralhome.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Thomas
Sponsored by Cooke Funeral Home and Crematorium - Nitro.
Mickey Spence
June 12, 2025
So sorry for your loss and will always remember a good friend
Lee Brewer
June 11, 2025
R.I.P.
Jeanne Roberts
June 10, 2025
Worked with Okay at Carbide he will truly be missed. Sending my deepest condolences to his family.
Crow
June 6, 2025
My deepest condolences to the family. Stumpy will be missed by many. R.I.P. Stumpy
Mike & Karen Samples
June 6, 2025
Deepest sympathy Sherri to you & family. Will miss seeing him on his Buggy riding up the hollow
Milt Wheeler
June 6, 2025
fun times working on motorcycles
Ann Toney Hapney
June 5, 2025
So many memories with this man. You'll be missed and remembered fondly.
Vonnie Hatcher Arend
June 5, 2025
He was one of the best. He had a sense of humor like no other. RIP Okey.
Karla
June 5, 2025
So many good times we all shared that will always be remembered and cherished.
But you lived your life to the fullest and never met a stranger, you will truely be missed Stump!
Love you both!!
Janet Messet
June 5, 2025
So sorry. We love you guys.
Janet, Tator & Precious (and Big John)
John Bukant
June 5, 2025
God Speed my Friend
Sheila Harrison
June 5, 2025
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results
Make a Donation
in James Thomas's name
Memorial Events
for James Thomas
Funeral services provided by:
Cooke Funeral Home and Crematorium - Nitro2002 20th St, Nitro, WV 25143-1707
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Thomas's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
