James Edward Thomas III

James ‘Roscoe’ Edward Thomas III, 74, of Summerlee, West Virginia, died on Friday, June 9, 2023, at his daughter’s home in Summerlee, West Virginia surrounded by family.

Born on November 23, 1948 in Lochgelly, WV. He was the son of the late Nancy Lee Vest Thomas and James Edward Thomas Jr.

In his early life, he served in the US Army, serving three tours in Vietnam. Afterward, he worked as a heavy equipment operator and coal truck driver and helped film the movie Matewan. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, scratching lottery tickets at Shell in Oak Hill, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife, Nancy Faye Thomas, brother Keith ‘Spud’ Thomas, and sister, Sharon Sumpter.

Those left to cherish his memory include one son, James Edward Thomas IV (Carol) of Fayetteville. One daughter, Shannon Leigh Coley of Summerlee. Granddaughters: Katelynn Bolt (Tanner), Mackenzie Coley (Ryan), Skyler Thomas, Alexis Coley, Brianna Coley, and Brenna Thomas. Grandsons: Logan Thomas and Brenton Thomas. His special sister-in-law Barbara Bell (Teddy) and dear friends Benny Akers (Tammy) and Renea Pittman (Mark).

He is survived by sisters Connie Hammontree and Lois Thomas (Jerrell), brothers Robert “Bobby” L Thomas (Lana) and Charles W Thomas (Angie), aunts, and nieces/nephews.

The family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Hospice of Southern WV. A special thank you to the nurses and CNAs who helped care for him: Madison, Amber, Lindsey, Ashley, and Cassie.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at High Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, with Benny Akers officiating.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm before the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for assistance with Roscoe’s funeral expenses to be made to High Lawn Funeral Home by calling the funeral home at (304)469-3283, in person, or by mail at High Lawn Funeral Home 1435 E. Main St Oak Hill, WV 25901.