James "Jimmy" Daniel Thomas, Jr.

James Daniel ("Jimmy") Thomas Jr., 82, of Wagener, South Carolina, left his earthly home on Friday, October 21, 2022 with his wife and daughters by his side. He is survived by his wife, Debra Staton Thomas and daughters Leslie Thomas Baker, Aiken, SC; Merry-King Neville (Jacob) Gauthier, Atlanta, GA; Erin (Brian) Horner, Marietta, GA; Rachael (Neil) Gillespie, Atlanta, GA and Sara Thomas, Louisville, KY.

He was a 1958 graduate of the Academy of Richmond County, Augusta GA and attended Augusta College.

Jimmy began his career at WRDW Channel 12 in Augusta, GA . He worked his entire career in the television and video production fields both domestically and internationally, including WJBF Channel 6, WRDW Channel 12, and Studio South, all in Augusta, GA. He was a well-regarded Director of Photography at Edge Productions of Aiken, SC and ultimately retired from SC Educational Television in Columbia, SC as the Lighting Director.

Jimmy's talents and creativity were unmatched in all areas of his craft, and he inspired many individuals along the way.  He was well regarded as a talented artist and loving father and husband.

Jimmy spent many years working with the Augusta Ballet in a variety of roles, from Stage Manager to Production Manager, to Theatrical Director and TV Producer of live ballet performances.  His love for the Augusta Ballet gave him great satisfaction.

Jimmy was a long-time member of I.A.T.S.E Local 629 of Augusta, GA, working in all forms of live theater, television production, trade shows, and exhibitions, television broadcasting, and concerts.

Jimmy worked at the Augusta National Golf Course during Master Week for over 30 years, running cameras on the grounds of the tournament as well as being the eye behind the camera in the press room for many player interviews.

Jimmy regarded himself a blessed man with so many healthy children, grandchildren and great-grand-children. Grands include Jaimie (Paul) Sullivan, Tara Thomas, Thomas, Sean and Nathan Neville, Anna Kate Horner, Vera and Margot Gillespie and Abbey Prain. Great-grands include Olivia Sullivan and Ellen Sullivan.

Jimmy was preceded in death by his parents, father James Daniel ("Steve") Thomas Sr., mother Margaret Josephine (Stokely) Thomas, of Augusta, GA and his son, James Daniel ("Bubba") Thomas III.

Visitation will be held at Lord & Stephens Funeral Home East, 4355 Lexington Rd., Athens, GA 30605, phone number 706-546-1587 on Thursday, October 27 from 6:00-8:00 PM, with funeral services at the funeral home chapel on Friday, October 28, at 2:00 PM. Reverend Philip Turner will officiate. Burial will follow at Crawford Cemetery, Crawford, GA.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at www.stjude.org or to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, East, Athens, GA is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com