Thomas H. JAMES, Jr., 86, of Wellsville, NY, died Friday, September 25, 2026, in Highland Park Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Wellsville. 

Born November 15, 1939, in Portville, he was the son of Thomas H. and Cora Kinney James. On March 11, 1986, in Hawaii, he married Patricia A. Twombly, who survives. 

Throughout his life, Tom worked on farms, in coal mines, and construction. He was part of constructing the Kinzua Dam in Warren, PA, and worked on pipeline construction across the country. Tom dabbled in real estate and had rental properties in Wellsville. He and Pat owned and operated J&J Power Tongs, PJ’s Pub, and H&J Real Estate in Wellsville for many years. 

Tom was a member of the VFW, American Legion, Moose Lodge, and Elks Lodge, all in Wellsville. Tom was known as the “Mayor” because he knew everyone and would talk to anyone whether he knew them or not. 

Surviving in addition to his wife of 40 years, Pat, are: four sons, Edward James of Punxsutawney, PA, Rodney (Sue) James of Dubois, PA, Thomas James III of Punxsutawney, PA, and Michael (Shannon) Holliday of Georgia; four daughters, Yvonne (Richie) Botelho of Punxsutawney, PA, Robin (Dennis) Graham, Sharon (Bill) Giannelli, and Christine Holliday, all of Wellsville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; five brothers, Doug James, Richard James, David James, Randy James, and Rick James; three sisters, Kate Watterson, Joyce King, and Elizabeth “Dub” Pape; several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sons, Robert Holliday and James Holliday; a grandson, Chad Graham; three brothers, Stanely James, Harry James, and Joseph James; and two sisters, Janet Sheilds and JoAnn Gray. 

A graveside service will be held in Sacred Heart Cemetery, Wellsville on a later date. Memorials may be made to Hart Comfort House of Allegany County. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Olney-Foust & Embser Funeral Homes & Cremation, 34 West State Street, Wellsville, NY. Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.