James Richard Thomas

James Richard Thomas, age 58, of Marion, NC passed away Friday, January 19, 2018 at his home.

Mr. Thomas was born October 5, 1959 in Buncombe County, NC to Margaret Gaines Thomas of Asheville, NC and to the late Ray D. Thomas.  He worked as Assistant Food and Beverage Manager for the Biltmore Estates in Asheville for 9 years.  He then moved to New Orleans where he lived for 15 years and owned and operated “The Ninth Circle” Bar. 

One of his achievements he was proud of was being the Grand Marshall of the Decadence Parade in New Orleans.  He eventually returned home to North Carolina to help take care of his parents and he worked at DHL until his illness.  Mr. Thomas was an artist and loved to live life to its fullest. 

In addition to his father, he is also preceded in death by his brother, John Thomas.

In addition to his mother, left behind to cherish his memories are his beloved partner of 27 years, James Tompkins; two brothers, Ray H. Thomas and wife, Dawn of Charleston, SC and Bobby Thomas of Marion, NC; one sister, Ann T. Landers and partner, Ty Potts of Belmont, NC; one sister-in-law, Julie Thomas of Asheville, NC; nephews and niece, Josh Thomas, Michael Landers and wife, Constance and Leslie Landers; and many friends.

The family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM on Wednesday, January 24, 2018 at Beam Funeral Service & Crematory.  A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 PM at the funeral home. 

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made to: Hospice of the Carolina Foothills (Hospice of Rutherford County), 374 Hudlow Road, Forest City, NC 28043.