James Arthur Thomazin 1948 - 2016

THOMAZIN, WINKLER, MCCLEARY

Posted By: Connie Swearingen- Volunteer (email)
Date: 10/19/2016 at 09:48:27

Sioux City Journal
16 October 2016

SIOUX CITY | James Arthur Thomazin, 68, Tucson Ariz., formerly of Sioux City, died unexpectedly of a heart attack on Oct. 1, 2016. at his residence.

Burial of the cremains will be in Calvary Cemetery at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, with military honors. Arrangements are under the direction of Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Condolences may be offered online at www.meyerbroschapels.com.

Jim was born Jan. 7, 1948, at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Norfolk, Neb., the third child of William and Genevieve Winkler Thomazin. Jim attended Immaculate Conception Grade School in Sioux City, and graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School in 1966.

Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1967 and served in the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged in 1973. Jim lived in Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois, mostly working construction-related jobs.

He married the love of his life, Sheri McCleary, in Tucson, Ariz., on Oct. 3, 1998. She left this life prematurely on Oct. 11, 2005, at the age of 56. Jim also had a long-time pet, Lefty, who was his companion for nearly the last 20 years.

He was well known for his fondness of all sports and especially loved playing football for the Heelan Crusaders and coaching various youth baseball teams. Jim was a die-hard fan of the Chicago Cubs and Minnesota Vikings.

Jim is survived by his sisters, Mary Lou O’Gorman (Terry) of Dakota Dunes, S.D., and Elizabeth Burger (Jeff) of Bowie, Md.; brother, William (Jeanne Fedders) of St. Paul, Minn.; sister-in-law, Janice Borschtnik of El Paso Texas; seven nephews, Todd, John and Mark James O’Gorman, Christopher Thomazin, Phil, Mike and David James Burger; and four nieces, Molly O’Gorman Billings, Erin Thomazin Youngquist, Debbie Williamson-Smith, and Tammy Lucke. He is also survived by many loving extended family members and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents.

Any memorials may be directed to Bishop Heelan High School.