Samuel James Thomas

Samuel James Thomas MSGT, United States Air Force (Retired) Samuel James Thomas, Master Sergeant, United States Air Force (Retired), passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of family and friends. Born December 31, 1932, in Stephenson Township, Michigan, to Samuel and Iola (Anderson) Johnson, Sam lost his mother as an infant. Adopted by William and Elizabeth Thomas, he was lovingly raised and given the name Samuel James Thomas. He was baptized in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in 1937 and graduated from Baldwin High School in Birmingham, Michigan, in 1950. Sam began his military service in the U.S. Army in 1953, serving in West Germany during the early Cold War. In 1956, he transitioned to the U.S. Air Force, building a distinguished career spanning over two decades. As a Veterinary Specialist and Food Safety Inspector, he served in Erding Air Base, Germany; Grand Forks Air Force Base, North Dakota; Cádiz, Spain; and in Fargo, North Dakota. His service took him across Europe and the Americas, including supporting the U.S. Navy in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. He was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters. On April 27, 1963, Sam married Linda Mae Downie in Tonset Church, Burke County, North Dakota. During their assignment in Cádiz, Spain, they welcomed their son, Benjamin. After retiring from active duty in 1974 with 21 years of service, Sam pursued his passion for farming and livestock. He applied his experience in food safety within the North Dakota Dairy Department and later at Winger Cheese, in Towner, North Dakota, before eventually relocating to Texas in 2012 to be closer to family. Sam was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He was known for his dedication to duty, love of country, and unwavering commitment to family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda; his son, Benjamin, (Evelyn) grandchildren, Emily and Eric (Nikki), great-grandchildren Reena, Bridget, and Walter; his sister, Phyllis Rosander; and many nieces, nephews, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, adoptive parents, brother William, and sisters Gladys, Margaret, Betty, and Lorraine. Sam’s legacy of service, family, and steadfast care will live on in all who knew him.

Samuel James Thomas

May 13, 2026