Colonel James Thomas, Jr. was born December 25, 1949 in Mitchell County, Georgia, to the late Colonel James Thomas, Sr. and Leola B. Thomas.

He graduated from Mitchell County Training School in May, 1969.  After graduation he enlisted in the United States Army.  He received college training in technical appliance repair and mechanics.

In 1972, he met the love of his wife, Glory Jean Thomas.  They were married in December, 1973.

Apostle Thomas answered the call to preach in the 1970's.  He dedicated his life to serving GOD in every capacity of his life.  He began evangelizing from city to city and other states leading people to CHRIST.  He was a man of Great Faith.  He is the spiritual father to many ministers and was the founding Apostle of Holy Gospel Deliverance Revival Center of Pelham, Georgia and Holy Gospel Temple of Dalton, Georgia.

In addition to his parents, Apostle Thomas was preceded in death by a daughter, Rochelle Thomas; a son, Colonel James Thomas, III; a sister, Annie L. McClendon.

He departed this life on Saturday, September 4, 2021 at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia.

He leaves to cherish his memory a wife, Glory J. Thomas of Pelham, Georgia; daughters, Keisha A. Williams (Terrance) of Atlanta, Georgia, Latrissa M. Thomas of Atlanta, Georgia; grandchildren, Caleb Williams and Lailah Williams; four brothers, Preston (Cynthia) Thomas of Pelham, Georgia, Leynwood (Crosie) Thomas of Dalton, Georgia, Elwood (Mary Ann) Thomas, Robert L. Thomas of Pelham, Georgia; five sisters, Aneesah Beyah of Warren, Ohio, Catherine (Steve) Brown of Pelham, Georgia, Shelean (Fred) Frazier of Camilla, Georgia, Maryann Thomas of Dalton, Georgia, Lela B. Thomas Jackson of Tallahassee, Florida; mother-in-law, Carlee Reddick of Camilla, Georgia; brother-in-law, Joe Ernest (Patricia) Reddick of Miami, Florida; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.