James M. Thommes, age 87, of Park Ridge, passed away at home Jan. 14, 2007. He worked for GE as a tool and die maker for 38 years. As a WWII Veteran of the Army Air Corps in the rank of technical sergeant, he flew 50 missions over Europe and numerous missions in the Aleutian Islands. He served as flight engineer on B24’s and B25’s in the 98th Bomb Group, 15th Air Force where he received the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters and the Good Conduct Medal. Beloved husband of Rina, nee DeMarchi, and the late Louise, nee Zartler; loving father of Joanne (Stephen) Rasnick, Eloise (Richard) Wenz, Cynthia (Thomas) Duszynski and James (Beth); dear grandfather of Caryn and Brian Rasnick, Adam and Daniel Wenz, Michael Duszynski, Stephanie, Brendan, Melinda and Allyson Thommes; great-grandfather of William and Cooper Rasnick, Charlie, Elizabeth and Tawes Wenz; fond brother of Cecelia Goto and Katherine Johnson; uncle of many nieces and nephews. Funeral Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007, 9:30 a.m. from Ryan-Parke Funeral Home, 120 S. Northwest Hwy. (2 blks. S. of Touhy), Park Ridge, to Mary, Seat of Wisdom Church. Mass 10 a.m. Interment St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation Friday 3 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Foundation, 651 W. Washington Blvd., Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60661. Funeral info 847-823-1171.
