J. B. was a lifelong member of New Hope United Methodist Church where he served in many capacities through the years.  He served on the H.E.M.S.A. Board of Directors for several years; He was employed with Home Security Life Insurance Company for 38 years and retired as District Manager in 1975.  He served as a magistrate; was a 32⁰ Mason; and was employed with Hockaday Funeral Home for many years.  J. B. was an avid reader and sports fan, and hunting and fishing were his love.  He was a member of the Roanoke Rapids Exchange Club and a charter member of Davie Lions Club.  He was a graduate of the Roanoke Rapids High School class of 1936.  J. B. was born August 6, 1918, to the late John B. Thomason, Sr. and Annie Harper Thomason.  He is survived by his wife, of 72 years: Lattie Shearin Thomason; his son: Robert E. “Bobby” Thomason and wife, Rosalie, of Roanoke Rapids; his daughters:  Ann T. Byrum and husband, T. Cam, III, of Edenton, and Lucia T. Cribbs and husband, David S. of Valparaiso, Indiana; five grandchildren: Robert E. Thomason, II, John David Cribbs, Haley Anne Cribbs,  Catherine Sue Thomason and Julie Smith Blair; one great-grandchild, Taylor Jade Stevison.  Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:30 A.M. at the New Hope United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Sue Owens.  Burial will follow in Old Cedarwood Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 7, from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. at Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service, and other times at the home, 2094 Highway 158 W.  Memorial gifts may be made to New Hope United Methodist Church, P. O Box 1086, Roanoke Rapids, N. C. 27870.  Online condolences may be sent to www.hockadayfs.com.