James Thomas
James Thomas also known by his relatives as Janus Thomas, 96, passed on Dec. 18, 2019. His birthday is Aug. 7, 1923.
A viewing will be held at 9 a.m. followed by services at 10 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 23, at Winslow Funeral Home, located at 1505 W. Third St.
He was born near Indian Wells, a small community called Toh’na’li (Malpas Springs). James is Kiyaa’aanii (The Towering House Clan), born for the Tl’aashchi’I (the Red Bottom People clan), his maternal grandparents are the Ta’neeszahnii (Tangle clan) and paternal grandparents are the Totsohnii (Big Water clan). He was a life-long resident of Teesto.
He was kind and very helpful, a medicine man, he also worked in various trades, a sheepherder, grandfather, father, brother and uncle. James’ parents were the late Toni Kai Begay and Ateeh yazhi of Toh’na’li.
He is survived by his sister, Awahee Thomas of Indian Wells; his grandchildren he raised, Cheryl Jensen, Darryl Williams, Kimberly Yazzie, Beverly Williams and Dawn Williams; 20 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Toni Kai Begay and Ateeh Yazhi, and his wife Tola Thomas.
Greer’s Mortuary of Winslow handled the arrangements.
