December 21, 2022, 90, Goldsboro –

James “Jay” Carson Thomas, 90, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 21, 2022, after struggling with congestive heart failure for several years. Born in Wayne County on January 29, 1932, he was the son of the late Paul and Katie Thomas.

An outgoing man who never met a stranger and had a great sense of humor, Jay could fix anything. He loved tinkering in his garage and enjoyed drawing, creating light bottles, wood art, magic tricks, and complicated Lego projects. If you had a problem with a project or need ideas of how to make something better, if you got Jay involved, you knew he would be there for you with great ideas.

Jay was very proud of his family and nothing made him happier than large gatherings around the kitchen island of his and Erma’s home. He was married to his true love Erma Neal for 67 years. His children are Cathy Thomas and her wife Carolyn Dunn of Raleigh and Chris Thomas and his wife Wendy of Goldsboro. His grandchildren Cassie Thomas Barnes and her husband Chris of Goldsboro and Dillon Thomas of Boone. He also had three great-grandchildren, Trevor, Tabitha, and Gavin. His brother is Danny Thomas of Goldsboro.

After graduating from high school, Jay began working at Little River Oil Company before moving to WP Rose Supply Company. He served in many roles in his 46 years with WP Rose Supply Company, the latest being vice president and co-owner.

He fulfilled a retirement dream and moved to Emerald Isle as a full-time resident in 2008. Jay was an active member of Emerald Isle Baptist Church which he and Erma joined in 2013. He served as an usher, and participated in the Saturday morning men’s prayer breakfast, Monday night men’s Bible study, Wednesday midday Bible study, and senior adult Sunday school.

In 2016, Jay became the Zone Commander for the Neighborhood Watch. He was one of four in the Town of Emerald Isle. He was later appointed to the Citizen’s Advisory Committee for the Neighborhood Watch of the Town of Emerald Isle. Jay stayed involved in Community Watch until 2021. Jay served for five years on the Town of Emerald Isle Golf Cart Committee when the town first approved the use of carts.

Jay and Erma enjoyed meeting and talking with people in the community. They were instrumental in starting the Local Street Walkers Group in 2007. The group evolved as 25 couples who enjoyed seeing each other when out walking in the neighborhood decided to meet monthly at each other’s homes to enjoy potluck dinners.

The Street Walkers Group was such a success they also started the Rec Group comprised of people who worked out at the Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Center. They met quarterly at members’ homes and shared a meal. This group involved persons of all ages and backgrounds.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 28, 2023 at Emerald Isle Baptist Church, 304 Emerald Plantation Road, Emerald Isle, NC. Visitation with family and friends will follow in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Emerald Isle Baptist Church, PO Box 5000, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at seymourfuneralhome.com.