James Griffin Thomas

Jim (Buzz/Buster) Griffin Thomas, 91, passed away at home, in Eaton Colorado on December 2, 2025 surrounded by his family.

Jim was born in Billings, Montana, as the oldest of six children to Jack and Lola Thomas. He graduated High School in Billings in 1952 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in Hawaii and Japan. After leaving the Marines, Jim worked on the railroad as a carpenter. He later joined Commercial Credit, making car loans, and then Chrysler Credit, moving to Boise and Denver, where he managed dealership floor plans. With the help of Denver dealers, he bought and expanded Dodge and Toyota dealerships in Greeley and Loveland, Colorado. His 5 children worked in his businesses throughout the years from sales to service to the front office. After 20 years, he sold his businesses and enjoyed life.

Jim married Darlene (Cauffman) in late 1956, and their union resulted in five children: Dean (Kathy), Herb, Jackie, Suzanne (Allen), and Rick (Kristi). They also had ten grandchildren: Jeremiah, Zach, Ryan, Katie, Brisco, Jamie, Marissa, Leah, Bryce, Reese, and nineteen great-grandchildren. Jim is survived by his second wife of many years, Veronica. Jim considered his family to be his greatest achievement and cherished the relationships he had with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. He valued their visits over the years and consistently shared family updates with others.

Jim was dedicated to volunteering, serving as a cub scout leader, Little League Baseball coach, and selling light bulbs for the Lions Club. He tutored grade school kids in reading for 20 years in the Eaton school district, building strong connections with teachers and students. Jim often joked that he never got recess because he was too busy with the kids.

Jim, with his daughter Suzanne participated in 5 Bataan Death Marches at White Sands Missile Range in NM commemorating the lives lost and saved in the Philippines during World War II. He proudly served in the Union Colony Marines Detachment 1093 in Greeley, acting as quartermaster and spokesman for state and national quartermasters. He enjoyed SOS breakfasts and gladly sponsored others to join him. The Union Colony Marine Detachment is known for its Honor Guard providing military honors to departed veterans, a duty Jim felt deeply honored to fulfill.

Jim, along with his Marine Detachment duties, volunteered to write monthly letters to veterans in hospice. Occasionally, he received heartfelt thanks from relatives, appreciating how his letters brought joy to the recipients.

Jim's legacy includes instilling a strong work ethic and confidence in his children.

His handshake was his word and that was all it took.

Semper Fi, Marine.