James Nathaniel Thomas III’s love for life didn’t come to an end with his death, April 30, 2022. His life lives on with our Lord and Savior. James passed away at his home in Delmar, Del. James, known to his family and friends as ‘Jamie,’ was 51 years old with a birth date of May 25, 1970. James fought a four-year battle of brain cancer (April 10, 2018-April 30, 2022). On Saturday, April 30, 2022, while being lovingly cared for by his devoted wife Deanna (Dee) Lineweaver Thomas, he passed away due to his illness. By his side were his ever-faithful dog TeeJay, cat Ben, his deeply loved sister-in-law Debbie Lineweaver and his beloved neighbor and good family friend Pamela Heritage. He did not die alone.
Jamie had a passion for life. He loved shooting his many firearms. Even when there was no time for anything else, he made time for that! His greatest passion was teaching the young people in his life the proper way to handle a firearm and respect the weapon.
He spent time on weekends with their grandson Jay, to whom he enjoyed teaching what he knew about firearms. James took pleasure in the camaraderie of his neighbors. He and Lil A spent quality time in the backyard shooting range. James was a member of the NRA.
James had lots of interests. He was a top-notch chef. He loved to create meals for others, mainly BBQ. Dee and James could cook up food no one would soon forget and what a special treat it was for sure. Sadly, he lost his ability to taste and smell in 2018, however his amazing talent for cooking never suffered.
Another fond interest was for baseball. His very close friends (more like family), Ed and Dawn Howes, surprised him with a treasured gift of a certificate that he had been inducted into the Orioles Baseball Hall of Fame. James and his wife were season Shorebirds ticket holders and loved to cheer for the Shorebirds. Baseball was in his blood, and he played until he broke his leg. James loved his Orioles and could tell you anything about his team. Baltimore was his hometown.
James had a zest for life and lived it to its fullest. He loved to make people smile and laugh. He usually had a joke or humorous story to share. James and his wife Dee were fortunate enough to have traveled over the last 18 years together. Some of their favorite places visited were California, Mexico and just last month Ocean City, Md. for a week’s getaway. He savored his time at the beach but especially in the wintertime because no one else was there so he could hear the waves of quietness.
He will be sorely missed by his wife, however, she finds comfort in knowing he is with the Lord, telling jokes and funny stories.
James is survived by his devoted loving wife, Deanna Lineweaver Thomas of Delmar and beloved pets TeeJay, Ben and a farm full of chickens, turkeys and guineas; stepchildren Mike and Dewayne Culley and Kim Stewart; sisters-in-law Debbie Lineweaver, Lori Dean (Tim); brothers-in-law Thomas Lineweaver and Richard Lineweaver from Seaford; eight grandchildren that he welcomed into his life with open arms; nieces, nephews, great nieces, and nephews and soon to be great-grandchild in December. He was so proud to hear the happy news. He is also survived by his mother Bernadette Hicks, father James N. Thomas Jr., both of Baltimore; daughter Julie Thomas and grandson Troy (Baltimore) and son Oregon Brooks (North Carolina); siblings Sharnette Kelly, Krystal Kelly and Thomas Smith Jr. (Baltimore); nieces Rayne Sharnette Bailey Jessie Bernadette Rogers (Baltimore), Cameron Isabell Forester (Maryland); and nephew Thomas Jeremiah Smith (St. Louis, MO).
Funeral services were held on Friday, May 6 at Christ Lutheran Church in Seaford. Interment was held at Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery in Seaford.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to Cranston Funeral Home, 300 North Shipley St., Seaford, DE 19973.
To leave a condolence visit cranstonfuneralhome.com.