James S. Thomason, Former Sitka Banker, Dies in Oregon

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Category: Obituaries

Created on Wednesday, 03 February 2021 15:46

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James Stewart Thomason

James Stewart Thomason, 89, of Roseburg, Oregon, passed away peacefully with family by his side on January 22, 2021.

Jim was born on July 29, 1931, in Seattle, Washington, the son of Gena and J. Thad Thomason. He grew up in West Seattle, and frequently could be found outdoors with his friends in the neighborhood or with his cousins at Lake Twelve.

He graduated from Seattle University in 1953. While a Navy Reservist, Jim began a career in banking at First National Bank of Washington in Seattle, quickly rising to a management position, and opening a branch in Sitka, in 1957.  While in Sitka, he met and married the love of his life, Irene Geleszinski. They and their seven children spent many memorable years in Sitka and Anchorage, where they enjoyed hunting, fishing, family camping and road trips.  In 1978, the family moved to John Day, Oregon, where they owned and operated Nugget Lanes until moving to Roseburg, in 1987.

After his retirement from the Douglas County assessor’s office in 1998, Jim relished golfing with family and friends, once shooting a hole in one.

Jim supported his family and community in many ways, including active involvement in Boy Scouts, Little League, Rotary Club, Elks Lodge, and other organizations.

He served on the board of directors at Western Cascade Credit Union (now Cascade Community CU) for many years, and volunteered numerous hours at the Roseburg Visitors Center, honored in 2003 as Recycler of the Year.

He was known to many as JT throughout his life, RUJ (“rich” Uncle Jim) to his nieces and nephews, and DOD (Dear Old Dad) to his kids.

Super patriotic, he always had an American flag flying at his home.

He adored his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and his many close friends, and was deeply loved in turn.  A charismatic story-teller, he was a friend to all.

Jim is survived by his sons James Jr. (aka Skipper), Darhl (Cricket), and  Kyle (Darcee); daughters Susie Thomason-Ankeny (Jerry), Mona (Brian Shenk), Lynn Rooker, and Natasha Smith (David).

He was preceded in death by his wife, Irene, and his sister, Beverly O’Kelley. A celebration of his life is planned for July 31, 2021, at River Forks County Park near Roseburg.