James Ronald Thomas ('Jim') (25 Dec 1941 - 10 Apr 2017)

In loving memory of James (Jim) Ronald Thomas who sadly passed away on 10th April 2017.

Jim was born in Dulwich on Christmas Day in 1941 to Reginald and Gladys Thomas. He had a tough start in life sadly losing his mother Gladys at the age of 4 and was therefore brought up by his father and his Aunt Wyn. In his earlier life Jim played a lot of football and would spend Saturdays either playing or supporting football often sharing these times with his dad Reginald. In 1974, Jim married Sandie and welcomed Damon into the world in 1975 and Nathalie in 1979. During his working life Jim worked predominantly in travel and latterly worked for Shell as Travel, Catering and Transport Manager before taking early retirement in 2000.

Following his separation, in 1996, Jim met Valerie on a floating restaurant at an event to mark the UK honouring its agreement to give Hong Kong back to China. Following an evening of fun, laughter and fireworks, they exchanged numbers and the rest, as they say, is history. Jim and Valerie have spent the past 21 years making one another extremely happy spending time between the UK and their second home in Calahonda. In 2007, Jim and Valerie became Mr & Mrs Thomas and would have celebrated their 10th wedding anniversary come 1 June this year.

In 2013, Jim became a grandfather for the first time, to Eliza and then for a second time in April 2016 to Jack. Known as Papa or more usually 'Papa Bear' to Eliza and Jack, he was a devoted papa and delighted in FaceTime calls and spending time in Nottingham with his two grandchildren.

Away from family time, Jim would spend many an hour on the golf course - he was a member of Bexleyheath Golf Club for over 40 years and more recently joined as a member at West Byfleet Golf Club. He also very much enjoyed his time on the courses at La Cala in Spain where he was a member, often playing with his son Damon.

However, very sadly, his time was cut short on 10 April this year following a rare complication during heart bypass surgery.

Jim was a much loved husband, father, grandfather and friend and will be missed by so many. May he rest in peace, good night and God bless.