Julius W. Thomas

Julius "Jay" Thomas, 88 of Rockford, died Saturday, February 18, 2012 in his home. Born January 14, 1924 in Elmira, Mo to Anthony and Jessie (Graham) Thomas. Attended grade school in Elmira, Mo and attended and graduated from Lawson High School in 1942. Joined the United States Navy in August 1942 and served later years aboard the destroyer Willard Keith DD775 as a gunners mate 3 rd class and in September of 1946 received an Honorable Discharge. In 1947 went to work for Western Electric installing dial equipment for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. until September 1949. "I met a lady by the name of Grace DeGrandis, we were married September 3, 1949." On September 19, 1949 I went to work for Central IL Electric and Gas Company. In 1970 Nicor bought the gas industry from Common Wealth Edison and he retired from Nicor in February 1984 after 32 years of service. Julius is a life member of Belvidere Moose Club No.295, a member of the Moose Legion No.57 Northwest , IL; a life member of the Navy Club Ship No.1, Rockford and a member of the Sheriffs Association. Survivors include his wife, Grace Thomas, 3 children, Jessie (Terry) Bell of Indianapolis, IN, Julie and Janell Thomas both of Rockford; five grandchildren, Jeff (Wendy) Parker, Anthony and James Mills of Indianapolis, IN, Jennifer (Jim) Combs of Rockford; great grandchildren, Gracie, Keith, Ashlee Parker and Dominic Combs. Also preceded in death by his mother, Jessie; father, Anthony and brothers, Winfred and Roger and by his grandson, Thomas Parker. Funeral service Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 10 a.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, Mulford Chapel 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Visitation Wednesday, February 22, at the funeral home from 5 8 p.m. with a Christian Wake Service to be said at 8 p.m.. Visitation continues on Thursday from 910 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment in Scandinavian Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials to the family.