James "Jim" Thomas

James “Jim” J Thomas, a native Antigonian, passed away May 30, 2026 at the age of 79 after a long and brave battle with cancer.

Jim was born on August 11, 1946 in Antigo to John ‘Doc’ and Carolyn (Page) Thomas. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 57 years, Toni (Benishek) whom he married on June 7, 1969 at the Antigo United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his three sons, Jeffrey (Angela) of Sun Prairie, Jaren (Jen) of Wausau, and Seth (Katie) of Sturgeon Bay and his cherished six grandchildren, Xander, Aaron, Harper, Maggie, Marlowe and Ryan. In addition to his wife, children and grandchildren, Jim is survived by three brothers, Roy, Bill (Nan), Tom (Donna) and John, sister Linda (Tom) Jahnke and “adopted” sister, Sally Jo Lee. Jim also leaves behind his brother-in-law John Benishek as well as many beloved nieces and nephews and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws, Jerry and Joyce Benishek, and two sisters-in-law, Jennifer Benishek and Karen Thomas.

He graduated from Antigo High School in 1964 and lettered in Track and Cross Country. While attending high school, he met his future wife Toni (Benishek) Thomas. Jim studied Industrial Education at UW-Stout where he was a proud member of the Chi Lambda Fraternity.

Upon graduation, he returned to Antigo and was employed as a “Shop Teacher” at Antigo Schools, specializing in “things with sparkplugs” for 34 years. He taught for several additional years as a Behind the Wheel driving instructor.

Jim had many and varied hobbies throughout his life. As a youth, he was active in 4H and won a national scholarship in Interior Decorating based off of designing his sister Linda’s bedroom. He earned his pilot license, volunteered as a pilot for the Young Eagles Program, and also flew radio-controlled planes. He owned many motorcycles and snowmobiles and was an enthusiast throughout the trails of Wisconsin, even serving as a race inspector for the United States Snowmobile Association. Jim was a captain in the Antigo unit of Civil Air Patrol. He was a member of the Lake Park Leakers, an adult hockey team that was instrumental in starting youth hockey in Antigo. Jim enjoyed traveling, especially in his BRG 2001 Miata with the Badgerland Miata Club. An avid builder, Jim crafted many woodwork projects, from the extensive home remodeling and garage build to handcrafted rocking horses for his grandchildren. He was also a ham operator, operating as N9JOQ.

A celebration of life will be held in Jim’s memory at a later date. His love, generosity and wisdom will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.