BIG TIME touched alot of people

[Bart Caudill]

It's sad to hear that Jeff didn't pull through.
I talked to him Saturday morning at the club house. He greeted me with that big smile and a hand shake, just like always. He always had that big smile, and anyone that talked to him would be smileing also. He could talk to a total stranger, and make them feel like they grew up next door. He will be sadly missed, and thoughts and prayers go out to all his family and friends.

[mobeaglen]

Big Time was the one person that got me into trialing. We ran together mostly every week. He was sure a real friend to me and he will be greatly missed.

[Big Dog]

I met Big Time two years ago at a hunt and as always he greeted you with that big smile and a hand shake. He was a super nice guy and could always be counted on to tell you a good one. He will be sadly missed.

Big dog

[CORNERSTONE]

Was sad to here of the passing of such a good man. Was lucky to get the chance to run with him and I can say I enjoyed our times talking dogs. His upbeat manor was a great pick me up to all he came in contact with.

[WrongsideRandy]

I dont think I ever met Jeff, I can tell he must have been a hell of a man from the way you all speak of him. I am sorry for the loss and his family will be in our thoughts. Here is a clip of what others had to say.


Jeffrey Thomas, former Casey magistrate, dies


DUNNVILLE - Jeffrey L. Thomas, 53, of Thomas Ridge Road, a former Casey County magistrate, is remembered by friends as doing a good job as magistrate, water board chairman and solid waste coordinator, and always working to help people in need.


Thomas died Monday in an Evansville, Ind., hospital, after becoming ill last weekend while on a beagle hunt.


"He was my friend," said Andy Greynolds, who worked with Thomas to get treated water extended to residents in the county. Thomas had served as chairman of the water board since 1997.


"He always stuck up for people who needed water when no one else seemed to want to help," said Greynolds. "He acted tough, but he was a softy. He couldn't say anything, but 'I'll get it done for you,' when someone asked for help. He was involved in the water board and did a lot of good work. He represented the water district well with the public and as a politician," Greynolds said.


"I'm sure going to miss him. He was a fine fellow," he added.


Thomas currently was the county solid waste coordinator, a position once held by Greynolds. "He did a lot of good work as solid waste coordinator," said Greynolds. "Jeff worked hard to get the roadside dumps cleared and had PRIDE money to do it."


Judge-executive Ronald Wright echoed Greynolds. Thomas was on Fiscal Court with Wright for one term, and served three terms with former judge-executive David Johnson.


"Jeff has done a good job working on the roadside dumps," said Wright. "We've just about got all the big dumps cleaned up. He actively pursued getting PRIDE money for the cleanups and was getting ready to take bids on several other dump sites. He was so proud when he would get a dump cleaned up."


Former magistrate Bill Thompson and Thomas began terms on Fiscal Court at the same time.


"He was a nice fellow and it was always a pleasure to work with him," said Thompson.


Known as "Big Time" to his friends, Thomas always had a good working relationship with the court and did a lot of road work, Thompson said.


Thomas served as 1st District magistrate for four terms and was named solid waste coordinator in 2002. He also was a farmer.


A graduate of Casey County High School, Thomas was the husband of Mary Jo Thomas.


Copyright:The Advocate-Messenger 2006

[SilverRockBeagles]

sorry to hear that guys that knew him or were associated with him im sure its a big loss from what ive heard, my prayers go out to friends and family.