JENNINGS – James Nelson Trey Thomas, III, of Welsh passed away Friday, January 21, 2022, in the Jennings American Legion Hospital.

Trey was born in Lake Charles and raised in Lake Arthur. He graduated from Lake Arthur High School where he was an All-District, All-Southwest Louisiana Quarterback. He was recently inducted into the Lake Arthur High School Hall of Fame.

Trey received his sacraments at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church in Lake Arthur where he served as an Altar Server for several years. He and his family are now members of Our Lady of Seven Dolors in Welsh. 

After graduation from high school, he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a law enforcement officer. He enrolled in McNeese State University graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice.

Trey attended the Southwest Louisiana Law Enforcement Training Academy, worked for the Lake Arthur Police Department, Westlake Police Department, and Calcasieu Parish Sheriff’s Department before joining the Louisiana Department of Public Safety Office of the Louisiana State Police. He was a Criminal Investigator II, assigned to the Sulphur Field Office and a member of the Combined Anti-Drug Task Force (C.A.T. Team), the H.I.D.T.A.  Drug Task Force, and the Anti-Heroin Task Force Program. Trey was dedicated and took pride in his job. He loved and respected his brothers and sisters in “Blue”.  Trey married the love of his life and adored his two children.

Trey is survived by his wife, Leah Pousson Thomas; a son, James Nelson Thomas IV; and a daughter, Halle Marie Thomas, all of Welsh; his parents, James Nelson “Jimmy” Thomas II and Bridget Hoffpauir Thomas of Lake Arthur; a sister, Jill Meyer Feverjean (Derrell) of Moss Bluff; his grandparents, Joseph Douglas Hoffpauir (Loretta) of Lake Arthur and Jean Regan Thomas of Welsh; his Godfather, Doug Hoffpauir; and his Godmother, Stephanie Benoit.  He also is survived by his nieces and nephews; Anna Key (Goddaughter), Jack Pousson (Godson), Emelia Pousson, Amanda Yager, Joliee Feverjean, Maddie Feverjean.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Mary Louise Guidry Hoffpauir; and his grandfather, Dr. James Nelson Thomas Sr.

Visitation for Trey will be from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2022, at Miguez Funeral Home in Jennings. A Cursillo Rosary will be recited at 6 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation on Wednesday will resume from 9 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic in Welsh. The Rev. Keith Pellerin will officiate. Burial will be in the Church Cemetery.

Words of comfort may be expressed to the family at www.miguezfuneralhome.com