JAMES E. THOMAS, son of the late Shirley Sewell and James Spencer Jr., was born in Mt. Airy, Maryland on June 27, 1944. He departed this life after a lengthy illness on December 20, 2012 at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He received his early education in the Westminster Public School System in Carroll County, Maryland. In 1958, James moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where he completed his education in the Baltimore City Public School System. Shortly after, James became gainfully employed with the City of Baltimore's Transportation Division, where he met endless friends, became a mentor and when necessary, served as a surrogate father. James remained with the department for thirty-five years, until he retired. In 1994, James' unwavering dedication to God became evident when he joined the congregation as a member of Pennsylvania Avenue A.M.E. Zion Church and remained in attendance until his health would no longer permit him to make that journey. For thirty plus years, James was also a devoted 33rd Degree Mason of The Most Worshipful Hiram Grand Lodge, as well as a member of The Elks. Left to cherish his memory: his beloved wife, Ann M. Thomas; three daughters, Lori, Susanne and Angela; an adopted son, Anthony; a godson, Donte; four granddaughters, Sherrice, Lattice, Brianca and Brittney; two grandsons, Jared and Caleb; three great-grandchildren, Alisa, Angelique and Chance; three brothers, Ray, Larry and Kim; two sisters, Robin and Hester; his stepmother, Fannie Spencer; aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was also preceded in death by: his mother, Shirley Sewell; father, James Spencer Jr.; his daughter, Alisa; and three brothers, Richard, Robert and James. James: We've shared so much through the years Our home, Our Family, the happy moments we've spent And the challenges we've faced together And every memory is special to me Because you're apart of it... Your Wife, Ann