James Raybon Thomas

James R. Thomas of North Vernon and Columbus, Indiana, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 27, 2019, at the age of 86 after battle with cancer.   James, affectionately known as Bud, was living with his son in Vancouver, Washington, at the time of his death.  Prior to that he lived at Green Tree Assisted Living in Columbus.    After high school James enlisted in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean war.  Afterwards, for most of his career he was a professional driver;  for many years driving for Continental Trailways bus line and later Greyhound bus line.  He later drove for and retired as a driver for Dolly Madison out of Columbus.   James was proceeded by his wife, Elizabeth; and brother and sisters, JoeMae, Bernice, and Helen Musillami, also of Columbus.   He is survived by his sister, Eva Louis; his son, James; and grandson, James Jr. of Vancouver, Washington.   The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, April4, 2019, at Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Visitation will be Wednesday 6 to 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service. Internment will be at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.