Joseph James “Jay” Thomas Jr., a 60-year resident of Needham died at home of cancer, on Friday April 28, 2006 surrounded by members of his family. Born April 21,1923 in Brooklyn, New York, he was 83 years old. Mr. Thomas came to Needham in 1945 with his family, following World War II. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in the South Pacific from 1942 to 1945. He attended Wentworth Institute and after his marriage in 1949 to Joan C. Lembree of Needham, he worked in the wool industry, serving as a salesman and later as President of Francois Lembree & Sons, a wool processing company in Stoughton. He also worked at Harvey’s Hardware in Needham for many years. Mr. Thomas was a member of St. Joseph Church, where he served as an usher and was a member of the Holy Name Society. Devoted to the philosophy of the Boy Scouts of America, he served many years as Scoutmaster for St. Joseph’s Church, Troop 7, the Boston Council and later became an active member and advisor for the Order of the Arrow. He was recognized for his many contributions with the St. George Medal and the Silver Beaver Award, some of Scouting’s highest awards. In the last few years he had been a faithful member of the Needham Auxiliary Police. A true outdoorsman, he loved skiing, skating, hunting, fishing and camping. Never idle, he spent hours pursuing many hobbies including reading, gardening and woodworking. He was the beloved husband of 56 years to Joan (Lembree) Thomas, loving father of Karen and her husband William McDaniel Jr. of Needham, Kyle and her husband Dana Wong of Mashpee and Karyl and her husband Manuel Astudillo of Marlborough. Dear brother of Lorraine T. Welsh of Needham. Devoted grandfather of Mellisa and Dawn McDaniel and Mariah Wong. Funeral from the Eaton Funeral Home 1351 Highland Ave Needham on Tuesday May 2nd at 9:00 am followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. Visiting hours Monday 5-8 PM. Graveside services with Military honors will be held at the National Cemetery in Bourne on Wednesday at 11:00 AM. U.S. Marine Veteran WWII. In lieu of flowers memorials in ay’s memory may be made to VNA Care Hospice 175 Highland Ave, Needham MA 02404 or to the charity of your choice.