James Arthur Thomas (Jacques) was born in New Orleans, Louisiana as the eldest child of James Thomas and Leona Green Thomas on December 18, 1946. He attended L.B. Landry Senior High School and Southern University in Baton Rouge, where he was a member of the Marching Band. James enlisted in the United States Army in 1966 where he served in Vietnam from July 21, 1967 through July 15, 1968. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, The Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, and The Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars. After serving four years active duty he enlisted in the United States Army Reserve where he retired with 20 years of honorable service. James was employed as an offshore caterer with ENSCO for over 30 years where he received numerous Culinary and Safety certifications. He was a member of the Men's Chorus at Regular Baptist Church, a mentor at the Boys and Girls Club and a Veterans Affairs volunteer in Lafayette, Louisiana. He adored his children and grandchildren. He loved his family, his church, his friends and his New Orleans Saints. He was preceded in death by his parents James and Leona Green Thomas. He leaves to cherish with fond memories his loving and devoted wife of 29 years, Gilda Hardy Thomas; children Jeanette Thomas, Valerie Franklin (Jory), Dr. Jennifer Thomas-Taylor (Alexius), Courtney Thomas, Dee Thomas and dad-paw of Bentley, (his four legged son; grandchildren, Quanai Barrett, Teyana Backey, Morgan Garth, Gordy Hudson, Jayla and Jia Taylor; siblings, Pamela Walker (Lawrence), Kenneth Thomas, Vernell Thomas (Deothear), and Joseph Thomas; aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces and a host of other relatives and friends. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend a Celebration of Life honoring Mr. James Arthur Thomas (Jacques), on Friday, January 3, 2020 at Regular Baptist Church, 901 5th Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70053 at 10:00 AM. Visitation will begin at 8:00 AM in the church. Interment will take place at Lake Lawn Park Cemetery, 5454 Pontchartrain Blvd, New Orleans, LA