James "Jim" Edward Thames

SANDUSKY — James "Jim" Edward Thames, 89, of Sandusky, died on Sept. 21, 2021, at the Cleveland Clinic unexpectedly after a brief illness. He was born on May 17, 1932, in Lake, Mississippi, to Joe Atlee and Queen Victoria (Battee) Thames. After graduating high school in Mississippi, he served in the United States Army and was honorably discharged. Later, he enrolled in Jackson State College (now University), where he met and later married the former Ethel M. Thomas in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1967. They moved to Sandusky, Ohio, where they made their home for 40 years and had two children, Sherri Jeannine Thames of Sandusky, and Christian J. Thames also of Sandusky. James was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he served for years as a deacon under the pastorships of Reverend Dr. Curtis A. Brown and Clayton E. Howard. He worked and retired from Ford Motor Co. after 30 years and never missed a day of work. He was also a medic in the Ohio National Guard. He enjoyed all sports and was an excellent basketball player and swimmer. He also enjoyed bowling in the UAW 1216 bowling league every week. A true family man, he loved spending time with his family and always set the example of being kind to others. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Sherri Thames, of Sandusky; son, Christian Thames, of Sandusky; brother, Robert "Bob" (Geneva) Thames, of Sandusky; sisters, Lillie Lang of Cincinnati, Dorothy (Laverne) Dunlap of Quitman, Mississippi, Bonnie Price of Jackson, Mississippi, Shirley Horton, of Lake, Mississippi, Elizabeth Ann Martin of Jackson, Mississippi, and Esther Thames of Lake, Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe Atlee and Queen Victoria (Battee) Thames; sisters, Barbara Perry, Myrtle Parker and Lonnie Montgomery; and brothers, Henry Thames, Joe Thames and Marvin Thames. Viewing will take place from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, and funeral services will begin at noon at Ebenezer Baptist Church 1215 Pierce St., Sandusky. Jim will be laid to rest in Lake Cemetery in Mississippi at a later date. Toft Funeral Home & Crematory, 2001 Columbus Ave., Sandusky, is handling local arrangements. Condolences may be shared by visiting toftfuneralhome.com.