James Darren Thomas

James Darren Thomas was born on June 28, 1959 to the late James and Delores Thomas in Philadelphia PA. 

James was not supposed to make it to see the age of six months being born with a hole in his heart, but God had other plans and allowed him to live an adventurous life for 64 years. 

James grew up in Richard Allen projects where he met and maintained an abundance of friendships. James would ultimately adopt the name Hotrod because he could run as fast if not faster than a Hotrod. 

In 1972, Nicetown became a place he called home. James was educated in the Philadelphia Public School System,  and attended Germantown High School. He took care of several families throughout the Nicetown neighborhood, and was a modern day Robin Hood. He was such a comedian, and would make you laugh to the point of tears. 

James met Tracy Brooks at the age of 18 and had a babygirl, Daphne. He loved his daughter so much and never had any more children. Daphne was his “Booper”.

James worked at the Library for the Blind where he developed his exceptional storytelling skills. He spent decades in the shoe repair industry, working his last job in King of Prussia Mall and developed a strong friendship with the owner, Louie. 

James was preceded in death by his mother and father James and Delores Thomas, and his little brother, Todd “Dubum” Thomas. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his only child, Daphne,  one grandchild, Kennedy, two sisters, Crystal and Pam, one brother, Fred, two nieces Ashley and Tamika, two nephews Christopher and Cody, one great niece Delynn, one great nephew Austin, his fiancè Katherine, two best friends Herbert and Leroy, and his extended family, the Goodmans, along with a host of other family and friends. 

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