James Charles Thomas, JC or Tommy, depending on which era you knew him, was born in Kansas City, Missouri July 28th, 1946, to J W and Mary Hull Thomas. His family moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma where he graduated from high school. He joined the Oklahoma National Guard in 1963 before high school graduation and served in the Guard and 95th Army Reserves for 12 years.
Tommy and Marilyn Bellmon Thomas were married September 24, 1965. They had a son and daughter, John and Mendy Thomas. Tommy went to work for OG&E as a lineman in 1970 and became JC. He loved those big orange trucks and was always challenged by storms where he wanted everyone’s electricity back on as quickly as possible and as safe for his crew. He was proud that he worked 30 years with no accidents. After retirement from OG&E, he went to work for Midwest Energy in Kinsley, KS.
Upon retirement, JC and Marilyn moved to Oklahoma City to be nearer their children and OU football games, which he never missed until Parkinson’s disease made it impossible for him to get to his seat. JC enjoyed the game of golf immensely and played every day until he couldn’t. He still would go to Top Golf and work on his swing.
JC was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2009, He learned to live with the disease and play golf every nice day. He was very active in the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance and in 2025 was awarded the Jim Keating Award for outstanding service to the Parkinson’s community.
JC “Tommy” is survived by his wife of 61 years (Marilyn), his son John (Mary), daughter Mendy, grandchildren, James, Katie, KJ, Cashtin, and Rowdy, great grandchildren, Carter, Jameson, and Kade, as well as his 101 year old mother, Mary Thomas, and brother, Jay (Donna) Thomas. He also is survived by several sisters in laws and brothers in law, and his cousins.
A celebration of life will be held Friday, November 13th, 10:30 am at McNeil’s Funeral Home, 525 W SH152, Mustang, OK, with a come and go “beer and bbq” lunch provided at the Laurel Springs clubhouse, 151 E. Plantation Terr, Mustang. In lieu of flowers, JC’s family is requesting donations be made to the Oklahoma Parkinson’s Alliance.
JC was not a suit and tie guy. Casual dress to send him off.
