James Leighton Thomas

James “Jim” Leighton Thomas, 82, of Kearney, MO, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, March 23, 2025, in Kansas City, MO. He was born in December 1942 in Waynesville, MO, to the late Howard Oren Thomas and late Veda Marie Leighton Thomas. He was the second of their four children.

Mr. Thomas graduated from Wyandotte High School in Kansas and proudly enlisted in the United States Air Force, both in 1960. Following his military service, he began a successful career with IBM, starting as a typewriter repair technician. He furthered his education, earning an associate’s degree from Pace University and later a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Syracuse University. Mr. Thomas dedicated 30 years to IBM, retiring as a regional manager, and earning multiple awards and accolades along the way.

In his “retirement,” Mr. Thomas remained active and entrepreneurial. He co-founded and owned Best Shot Indoor Range in Claycomo, MO. He also served as a Sergeant with the Pleasant Valley Police Department while establishing The Armory law enforcement supply store. He operated The Armory, initially in Claycomo and later in Kearney, MO, for over 20 years.

Throughout his adult life, even while moving around the country multiple times for his IBM career, Mr. Thomas consistently found ways to give back to others, both publicly and privately. While his son was becoming an Eagle Scout, Mr. Thomas held a leadership role in Boy Scout Troop 376 in Liberty, MO. Most recently, Mr. Thomas was a dedicated member of the Kearney community. He actively served on the Kearney Special Road District Board and was a member of The Lions Club of Kearney.

He was married to his first wife, Rose K. (LaSala) Thomas, for over 27 years, and later to his second wife, Sharon Thomas, for over 20 years. Above all else, Mr. Thomas was immensely proud of his children and grandchildren, and loved sharing their accomplishments with anyone who would listen.

Mr. Thomas is survived by his son, Master Sergeant Justin Thomas (Kim), currently stationed at Ft. Stewart, Georgia while serving in the United States Army, and his daughter, Michelle Thomas of Kansas City, MO; his sisters, Debby LaMontaine, and Cathy Richardson (Dan); sisters-in-law, Mary Sue Thomas, Maria Eades, Georgia McGoldrick, Phyllis Switzer, Virigina LaSala, and Patricia Mantel (Jim); granddaughters, Channing Eckhardt (Josh) and Makenzie Thomas; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Thomas is also survived by Sharon’s two daughters, Jennifer Gant (Jason) and Samantha Goldenstein, as well as her grandchildren, Samara, Weston, and Kaleb Gant.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard Thomas and Veda Leighton Thomas; his first wife, Rose K. (LaSala) Thomas; his second wife, Sharon Thomas; his brother, Howard “Paul” Thomas; his grandson, Austin Haggard; and his brothers-in-law, John LaMontaine, Douglas Eades, Don McGoldrick, and Ralph “Lonnie” Switzer.

Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Friday, March 28, 2025 with funeral service at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Fry-Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Kearney, MO, with burial following at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, KCMO.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the ASPCA, the VFW, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, all charities that Mr. Thomas regularly supported.