James D. Thomason

James D. Thomason, died Janaury 1, 2010 at Gold City Convalescent Center in Dahlonega.

Mr. Thomason was born on January 11, 1923 in Arab, Alabama, son of the late Samuel and Tommie Harper Thomason. His Wife of 52 years, Lolos Claborn Thomason preceded him in death in 2000.
He was an educator for over 30 years in Alabama and Georgia, taking early retirement in 1982 due to the onset on early macular degeneration. His career started in the Enterprise community of Chilton county, Alabama 1947. From 1950 until 1960 he was the principal of Sweet Water High School in Marengo, County, Alabama. From 1960 to 1968 he taught in Mobile county, Alabama-one year as assistant principal at Toulminville and six years at Citronelle High School. In 1968, he moved to Cobb county, Georgia and was the last principal at Smyrna Elementary and at Belmont Hills Elementary.
In 1988 he moved to Dallas, Ga. where he was active for many years in the First United Methodist Church and the retired teachers association until he entered a nursing home in August of 2008.
In 1940, he graduated from Scottsboro (Alabama) High School and attended Berea College (Kentucky) for two years before serving in the U.S. Navy during WWII. Upon his discharge, he continued his education at Howard University (now Samford) in Birmingham, Alabama and graduate studies at the University of Alabama. He was a staunch Crimson Tide fan.
Mr. Thomason until the last few years of his life was an active Methodist serving in various leadership roles and various churches and he had ties and a great love and respect for the Episcopalian denomination. He also held leadership positions in various civic clubs through the years.
He is survived by his five children; Fidelia Thomason & Glenn Gossett, Durham.NC. Doug Thomason, Dallas, Ga.: Sharon Thomason and husband Bill Grier, Dahlonega, Ga.; Hugh and Elyse Thomason, Marietta, Ga.; and Judy and Gary Spencer, Orlando, Fl.: Four grandchildren-Dayna Thomason Daniel and husband Josh, Mobile, Al.; Kirby Spencer, Jacksonville, Al; Katie Spencer, New York, NY and Paul Grier, Daholonega, Ga. Siblings; John Thomason, Vinemont, Al; and Gertrude Talley, Arab, Al and numerous loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

At his request, his body will be cremated and a graveside service will be held at a later date. Also at his request, contributions may be made in his memory to-The United Methodist Childrenâ