James Nelvin Thomas, son of the late Granville Richard Thomas and the late Rosa Gertrude Thomas, was born on December 9, 1945, in Amherst, VA. He peacefully departed this life on March 6, 2026.

James was the youngest out of four children. James was preceded in death by his sister, Edna Thomas, and a brother, Gerald Thomas. James is survived by his sister, Earlene West.

He joined Piney Grove Baptist Church at an early age and was a faithful member.  

James found his interest for trucking at the young age of 18. James “Nature Boy” ran his own truck independent “Thomas Trucking” in the beginning and later went on to drive for Bit Goldthorpe and Countryline Trucking. “Nature Boy” drove all across the East and West Coasts for 55 years.

James leaves to mourn his loss two daughters and one son of Lynchburg, VA, Twonya Tolbert (Tae), James Ferguson (Andrea “Poochie”), and Jamie Thomas; 11 grandchildren (Niasia, Ja’Kasia, Lil James “L.J.”, Devantae “D.J.”, Taevon, Tamayah, Talaila, Walter, III, Aiden, Taeylor, And Rameek; his long time partner, Gracie Harris; two god sons, Andrae “Dre” Franklin Carey and Brian “Trooper” Diggs; his lifetime friends that became brothers to him, Robert “Dooby” Carey, Robert Sandidge, John Paige, Mr. Doc, his best friend, Little Elijah; and a host of other family and friends.

James enjoyed deep-sea fishing, attending racetrack events, gardening, Westerns, and being outside. Nature Boy was one of the best self-taught mechanics. He could work on anything. No luck, All work built to last. In life when much was given, much was required. When James Thomas was required to give, he gave his all for all.

A homegoing celebration will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, March 16, 2026, at Davis-Turner Funeral Service. Interment will be in the Fort Hill Burial Park. Service of comfort entrusted to Davis-Turner Funeral Service.