Family Celebrates COVID-19 Survivor With Hockey Game

Thanks to Pace’s Tire and Service Center for their support. You can check their website for the latest oil change and other specials.

Eighty-three-year-old West St. Paul resident Jim Thomas spent three months in the hospital battling COVID-19. But in December he emerged from the hospital victorious, and was met by family and a flood of tears.

“I started crying,” Thomas told FOX 9. “The parking lot was full of friends and relatives. It was very emotional.

Since then, Thomas’ family—four children, 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren—have prioritized family time together. They have weekly game nights and once-a-month family dinners. They also organize street hockey games on Sundays in the parking lot of Faith United Methodist Church on Oakdale.

They recently had a special all-star game complete with NHL jerseys, national anthem, and Thomas as the official puck dropper.

“It’s family and it’s love and it’s life and that’s what matters,” said Maureen Cade, Thomas’ daughter.

Thomas founded the appliance repair business Thomas Service Company in Inver Grove Heights and coached hockey at Henry Sibley High School.

Watch the full story and hear from Thomas and family on FOX 9.

We share local stories with your support.