James Michael "Mike" Thomas, affectionately known as "Grumps," passed away in Fredericksburg, Virginia, on May 27, 2025, at the age of 74. He was born in Washington, D.C., and lived most of his life in Fredericksburg. Mike graduated from Annandale High School in Fairfax County, VA, in 1968. He honorably served as an E-5, Fire Control Technician (Guns) 2nd Class (FTG2) in the U.S. Navy until 1975, working on torpedo weapons systems in numerous submarines while assigned to the USS Howard W. Gilmore (AS-16) in Charleston, SC. When the Gilmore transferred to Key West, FL, he was also attached to Submarine Squadron 12.  He later transitioned to the small boat Navy serving on the Patrol Gunboat USS Green Bay (PG-101) out of Little Creek, VA. While serving on the Green Bay, Mike lived in Virginia Beach, VA, then moved his family to Delaware, and eventually settled in Fredericksburg, where he spent the later years of his life.

After his service, he began his career in computers with Xerox. Later, he and his late wife established their own business, Computer Corner, which they owned and operated for 10 years. After selling the business, he spent 12 years as a Network Administrator at Dominion Power, retiring in 2010.

Mike was a man who loved life and his family. He loved his unsweetened tea, Good and Plenty candies, and chocolate brownies. He had a special way of making every visit with his grandchildren memorable, always offering them a sip of his tea and filling their time with warmth and love. Above all, he loved his family deeply, especially his late wife, Shirley. Even after her passing in 2008, he continued to honor her memory and cherish the love they shared during their 36 years together.

In 2013, Mike found love again and married Patricia, who was by his side until his passing. After retiring, he purchased an RV and traveled the open roads with her, creating wonderful memories along the way. One of his fondest memories was visiting Oklahoma to see wild buffalo and other wildlife. Mike was also passionate about photography and loved capturing moments from his travels and daily life, sharing his photos with friends and family. He enjoyed working with his hands, particularly in creating model ships, airplanes, train dioramas, and wooden pens. He took great pleasure in his hobbies and was always happy to share them with his family.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Thomas; his son, Gary Thomas; his son-in-law, Eddie Martinez; and his parents, James and Dorothy Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Thomas; his children, Karen Janson (Brian), Jim Thomas, David Thomas (Kristyn), Matthew Thomas (Nicole), Laura Thomas (Thomas Payne), and Katie Martinez; 21 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren; his siblings, Timothy, Patrick, Christopher, and Bridget; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A viewing will be held on Monday, June 2, 2025, at Laurel Hill Memorial Park, 10127 Plank Road, Spotsylvania Courthouse, VA 22553. The viewing and visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, with the service at 1:00 PM, followed by a graveside service.

Mike will be greatly missed by all who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the memories he created with his family. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations to Shriners Children's Hospital be made in appreciation for the care they provide to his grandson, Tristen Martinez.