Otis Thomas, Jr.

Otis James Thomas, Jr. age 73, was born in Jackson, TN and lived in Albuquerque, NM. James was a loving, caring yet stubborn husband to Marcia Valdez. He was a brave, bold, and caring father to Dawnmarie M, Camille B, and Sean V. He was very adamant that we learn and grow in knowledge about our rights and how to protect ourselves in life. He always encouraged us to work hard for what we wanted in life. He was a genuinely loving grandfather to Marquez, Amaris, and Elijah Magana, Ryan, Lila, Sophia, Cedric and Briana Valdez; and became a soft loving marshmallow to his great-grandchildren, Genevieve and Silas Magana. James was a loving and caring brother to Walter Thomas (Mary), Charles Thomas, William Thomas and Erin Cleo (Smith) Thomas. He was a loving uncle to an array of nephews and nieces; and loving brother-in-law.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James and Lizzie Thomas; sister, Erin Cleo Smith Thomas; son-in-law, Gerald J. Magana; and grandson, Marquez AJ Magana.

James graduated from Merry High School in Jackson, TN and earned a Bachelor's Degree in History from Lane College. He served in the US Air Force for a couple of years where he was Honorably discharged after being hurt. He worked with diesel mechanics and drove semi rigs. James loved taking his family to drive in theaters and grilling meats outside. He loved watching his Cowboy's play. He engaged in loud debates with the TV when watching politics or world news (lol). He was very fond of trains, but he also loved trucks (semi rigs) and would be out on the open road at times until he retired.

You will be missed, loved but definitely not forgotten, you have truly impacted our lives.