James Michael Thomas

James Michael Thomas, 81, Taylor, died Saturday in Geisinger-Community Medical Center with his wife of 53 years, the former Carol Ann Kavulich at his side as she was everyday throughout his illness. They were a unique couple having been seen together always and were married July 31, 1971.

He was the son of the late Emil and Maruele Johns Thomas. Jimmy was born in Taylor but he had to wait 11 hours before his twin sister Judy decided to arrive. He deeply missed her after she died. Jim was a graduate of Taylor -Moosic High School Class of 1962, the first year of the jointure.

Jim served the Borough of Taylor for many years as a police officer beginning in 1969 and retiring as the Chief of Police in the fall of 1987. Upon retirement from the borough, he remained active and worked as the Chief of Security at Empire Landfill. Both he and his wife were dedicated parishioners of the Basilica of St. Ann where Jimmy served on the Parish Finance Council. He and Carol attended the weekly Novena to St. Ann and looked forward to attending and volunteering at the Solemn Novena to St. Ann in July. He enjoyed his friendship of many at St. Ann’s and Jim tried to keep Father Paisley on his toes with his “weekly suggestions” but Father had “his number”

Jim enjoyed his frequent stops at the Taylor Gulf Station and Saturday morning coffee briefings at the Taylor Wal-Mart. He especially enjoyed visits by his niece’s pups Rickie and Winnie.

Jim enjoyed helping others as he faithfully donated blood for many years at the American Red Cross NEPA Region and had served as past president of the Taylor Lions Club. He was also a lifelong New York Giants Football fan.

Also surviving are brothers-in-law, Arthur Levan, Taylor and Joseph Kavulich, Scranton, sisters-in-law Rose Coccia, Old Forge and Terri Kavulich, Moosic, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins including his godson, Andrew Kavulich.

He was preceded in death by his twin sister Judith Levan, a sister Marilyn Thomas, a brother Richard “Sag” Thomas, his in laws, Joseph and Verna Kavulich, brothers-in-law, Pat Coccia, Thomas J. “Cal” Kavulich and James Kavulich.

Carol wishes to thank Dr. Ken Sebastianelli and his staff especially “Shalom”, Cindy and Mary Beth, Dr. Scott Rieder and his staff as well as Dr. John Lundin at Great Valley Cardiology for all the care and compassion over the years. Thank you also to Jim’s faithful friends, Chip, Sid, Sam and Lorraine, Ted and Gene.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday at 11 AM in the Basilica of St. Ann in Scranton. All those attending are asked to go directly to the church.

Arrangements entrusted to his cousin Sidney R. DeSantis and his son Anthony with Carlucci-Golden-DeSantis Funeral Home, Inc. To offer an online condolence, visit www.NEPAfuneralhome.com

Nighty Night James, I love you.

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of James Michael Thomas, please visit our Tree Store.