James Richard Thomas

Formerly of West Homestead, James Richard Thomas died peacefully in Pittsburgh, PA on December 28, 2016 of natural causes at the age of 88. James was born on November 11, 1928 in Pittsburgh, PA. He was the loving son of James Joseph Thomas and Claudia Hetrick Thomas. Jim attended Central Catholic High School, then Duquesne University and met his wife Virginia "Cookie" (Cole) shortly thereafter. Jim worked for the United Steelworkers of America where he set up and managed the Data Processing Department, then finished his career as Head of the Contract Department. After his first retirement at age 55, Jim returned to his passion for teaching by first getting his Master's Degree from Carnegie Mellon University and then becoming an instructor in the business school at his alma mater Duquesne University. Jim served on numerous boards, including the Steel Valley Enterprise Zone that directed the Homestead Revitalization Initiative in 1999. He was the Director of the Three Rivers Area Labor Management Committee, and during that time helped negotiate a significant deal with the new Pittsburgh International Airport for fair pricing in the airport shopping center - a model for other cities. Jim was also a very active member of the Gallitzin Club, Cursillo and the Urban League. In his spare time he enjoyed volleyball with the kids, bowling with his wife Cookie, building grandfather clocks for his children, swimming, and vacationing at the family cottage at Lake Erie. Jim easily made friends with anyone and everyone and will be remembered for his warmth, intelligence, engaging sense of humor and 63 loving years with his wife, Cookie. Jim will also be remembered for the endless love and guidance he showered upon his children and grandchildren. James is survived by his five children: Michael (Adrienne), Claudia (Christa), Mary, Chad (Myrna) and Ellen (Bill Shifko). Eight grandchildren: Ashley, Brittany, Nicole (Dylan August), Calvin (Jenn Hadley Thomas), Peter, Molly, Hannah and Carlee and one great granddaughter, Estella Jean and honorary son, Michael Polite and his family. The family will receive friends on Thursday 6- 8 PM and Friday 2- 4 and 6- 8 PM at SAVOLSKIS-WASIK-GLENN FUNERAL HOME INC., 3501 Main Street, Munhall.  A Funeral Mass will be on Saturday 10 AM at St Therese of Lisieux Church, Munhall.   He will be laid to rest at Calvary Cemetery.

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