James David Thomas
1910-2004
From Preachers Of Today Vol. 4
Abilene Christian University News Release On The Death Of J. D. Thomas
J. D. Thomas, former ACU Bible chair, dies in Abilene
Dr. James David Thomas of Abilene, former chair of the Bible Department at Abilene Christian University, died Feb. 16 in Abilene at the age of 93.
The funeral service is scheduled for Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. at the University Church of Christ in Abilene. Burial will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park's "Garden of the Gospels." Visitation will be at Elliott-Hamil Funeral Home Feb. 17 from 5-7 p.m.
A 1943 graduate of Abilene Christian, Thomas also received a M.A. from Southern Methodist University and a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. Thomas served as assistant city manager of Lubbock from 1939-42 and as a minister at the Northwest Church of Christ in Chicago from 1945-49.
In 1949, Thomas began his 33-year career in the ACU Bible Department. While at ACU, he directed the annual Bible Lectureship for 18 years and coordinated the Elders Workshop. In 1981, he originated the Christian Scholars Conference, which was conducted at ACU until 1990. He was chair of the department from 1970-79.
Thomas was a member of the corporation board of Restoration Quarterly and was a staff writer for 20th Century Christian. He was a prolific writer of books and articles. He was listed in Outstanding Educators of America, Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Who's Who in Religion and Who's Who in America. In 1989, the Kiwanis Club of Abilene named Thomas "Kiwanian of the Year."
Survivors include his children: John Paul and Cindy Thomas, Hannah and Dwayne Kissick; his grandchildren: Sammy Fish, Lucky and Tammy Fish, Christian and Edith Kissick, Packy and Andrea Kissick, Lindsay and Kyle Watson, Scott and Shawna Thomas, Todd Thomas, Shelley and Chris Chorn, Matt Connally, Mark and Lindi Connally; his great-grandchildren: Jessica Nicholle and Kirstie Dawn Fish, Lawrence Scott and Samantha Angel Fish, Riley Blake Whisenhunt-Kissick and Colton Patrick Kissick, Hannah Ashlynn Norrell-Watson and Jakeb Aaron Watson, Ryan Hunter and Tana Jo Thomas, Alyson Cherie and Austin Paul Thomas, Courtney Paige and Luke Christopher Chorn, Matthew Corbin and Abigail Brinley Connally. Also surviving are two sisters-in-law, Grace Thomas and Lena Belle Thomas, and several nieces and nephews.
Source: New Release From Abilene Christian University Release Date February 16, 2004
Directions To The Grave Of J. D. Thomas
J. D. Thomas is buried in Abilene, Texas in the Elmwood Memorial Park. The cemetery lies on the southern outskirts of the city of Abilene. From the west side of Abilene on I-20 take exit 283a and head south on Hwy 83/277. Go about 7 miles south and exit off on Hwy 277 South. Travel a couple of miles on Hwy. 277. The address is 5750 U.S. Highway 277 S. Office Phone: 352-692-0655. See Map Of Cemetery Here. Also buried here are E.R. Harper and Jimmie Mankin.
GPS Coordinates
Acc. to 15ft.
N32° 24.900' x WO99° 47.858'
Grave Faces West
Garden Of The Gospels Section B Plot 114
