Thomas James

Thomas Don James , 56, died August 22, 2019. A visitation with family will be held from 6:00-8:00 pm, Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Broadway Mortuary. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm, Friday, August 30, 2019 also at Broadway Mortuary.

Thomas “Tom” James, was born on July 10, 1963 in Wichita, KS to Donald and Donna James. He was the brother of Gary and Richard James.  Tommy graduated high school from Wichita High School South in 1982. During his high school years he played the drums as a member of the marching band and the jazz band. He was employed in the meat department at Walls IGA grocery store. On December 3, 1983, Tom married Anne Barrett and together they were the parents of Tyler and Erica James. Tom resided in Wichita, KS his entire life and during his time with us on earth he enjoyed playing the drums, camping, building drag boats and show cars, water skiing, and anything Looney Tunes or cat related.

Tom graduated from Wichita VoTech School as a certified welder and spent many years as a welder at Cargill Refinery. He also worked maintenance for multiple companies throughout the Wichita area. In his free time, he rebuilt a Taylor SS  boat and an 80’ Chevrolet El Camino that he named “Looney Tuned”.  He placed first place in his class several times for the craftsmanship of his Taylor SS boat and was featured in four magazines showcasing the Looney Tuned.  Tom enjoyed listening to 70’s and 80’s rock. Some of his favorite bands were KISS, Guns ‘N’ Roses, Ted Nugent, Styx, and Van Halen.

The pride and joy of Tom’s life were his children Tyler and Erica. As Tyler and Erica grew from babies into adulthood, he beamed at all of their accomplishments they made. He was very proud that Tyler was a drummer and enjoyed music as much as he did. Tyler brought him three granddaughters, Emma, Penelope, and Juliette. He was also pleased that Erica graduated from college and was planning to become a nurse. He often called her with medical questions, expecting her to be a doctor already. She gave him three grandsons, Kaimen, Ellis, and Kassius. He truly had a big and loving heart and he honored his children and grandchildren with the upmost respect and made their presence known even when they were not present. He “blew their phone up” only to try to connect with them and let them know how much he loved them. No matter what walk of life he was in, he knew his children and he was a much fulfilled father.

Thomas loved the Lord and without a doubt has joined Him in heaven. He had a goofy and fun personality, he always had a joke or a story about his cat, Tigger, anytime he spoke to someone.  He was caring and helpful, and truly enjoyed being of assistance to others. During his time on earth he tried to be a good person with good intentions. Tom will be greatly missed and he was loved by many people. He is no longer with us but he is definitely not forgotten.

Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Donna James; brother, Richard James; and grandson, Kaimen Edwardson. He is survived by his father Donald James; son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Kendra James; daughter and son-in-law, Erica and Sean Edwardson; brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Sarah James; and grandchildren, Emma, Penelope, Juliette, Ellis, Kassius; and his cat, Tigger.

A memorial has been established with the American Heart Association. Share condolences at www.CozineMemrorial.com. Services by Broadway Mortuary.