James Lowell Thomas

James Lowell Thomas, 79, of Hailey, Idaho, passed away peacefully Friday, Aug. 16, 2019, at St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center from complications associated with his year-long illness.

Lowell is survived by his children, Jim Thomas and Shana Smith; son-in-law, Dean Smith; and grandchildren, Everett Thomas, Kori Paradis, Robin Smith and Jamie Smith. His beloved wife of 54 years, Sharon Thomas, passed away less than two months ago. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He lived his life never meeting a stranger.

Lowell told a friend one week before he passed, “I have lived a great life!” As a youth, he was known as one of the best surfers at the Ventura County line. He served with the Army in the Vietnam War. He was a Los Angeles police officer and spent 20 years on the Los Angeles Fire Department, retiring as a captain. He became a contractor, building the family home in Manhattan Beach, Calif. He turned his lifelong passion for classic cars into the business Classic Drivers, in Ketchum.

He was a proud member of the Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, and our family wants to thank the members for the love and support given to Lowell in good times and hard times. We also appreciate the staff at the St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center for the care and compassion shown to Lowell at his daily infusion visits. He actually enjoyed starting his day at the infusion center with a cup of coffee, a biscotti cookie and smiles from his caring nurses.

Please join family and friends on Saturday, Aug. 24, at 11 a.m. at the Valley of Peace Lutheran Church, 704 Wintergreen Drive in Hailey.