1947
2020
JOHN ADAM THOMAS, JR.
May 31, 1947 ˜ March 17, 2020
John Adam Thomas, Jr., 72, passed away in Portland, OR on March 17, 2020. He was born in Kissee Mills, MO to John Adam and Dora (Roberts) Thomas. He lost his father at a very young age, but he always had a keen sense of responsibility and maturity beyond his years, taking an active role helping his family in many ways.
After graduating from Fort Vancouver High School in 1965, John enlisted in the Air Force, and was stationed at Strategic Air Command in Omaha, NE. While in the Air Force, he discovered he had a knack for a brand new technology - computers - and continued to work in the computer industry for the rest of his career.
Retirement gave him more time to pursue his favorite passions: golfing and the Portland Trail Blazers. But John loved to help people - family, friends, casual acquaintances, total strangers - so retirement also gave him more opportunities for service in his community. He volunteered generously with the Vancouver Lions and AARP.
John took his position as head of the extended family to heart and will be sorely missed by all: his wife of 53 years, Dianne; daughters, Torrie Thomas and Betsey (DJ) Park; granddaughters, Madeleine and Nina; sisters, Beverly Brewer and Kathy (Terry) Mendenall; countless nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and everyone else John made feel welcome into his extended family.
His memorial service will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Vancouver Lions Foundation, PO Box 441, Vancouver, WA 98666 in John’s name.
Please sign his guest book @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sorry to hear of Johns passing. Always enjoyed visiting with him at the reunions.
Ron Matheson
April 17, 2020
No time on earth seems long enough to prepare our hearts for goodbye to ones we love. My warmest thoughts are with you, Dianne, and your girls, Torrie and Betsey..with warm art and GCY memories...
Connie Lovejoy
April 9, 2020
Our hearts ache with yours at the loss of John Adam. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Brad Wyatt
March 31, 2020
Diane, I am so sorry. We were hoping to gather this summer for a family reunion when Judi and Terry Gentel are here. You and your whole family are in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers.
JOHN WEAVER
March 31, 2020
Dianne, I am so sorry for your loss. You and the girls were some of our favorite neighbors back in the late 1970's and early 1980's. Your two paintings still hang on my wall. So very sorry for your loss.
Bonnie (Sabel) Welte
March 30, 2020
RIP
I hope you get a bunch of birdies in the hereafter and a few sips off your birdie bottle you always had with you in the Fred Meyers golf league
Larry B
March 30, 2020
John was an amazing and humorous man. We shared the love of golf, the Trail Blazers and the good old days at Fred Meyer. I'm happy to have had the opportunity to get to know him a bit better the last few years with the Fred Meyer golf league and have so many fun discussions on how the Blazers were playing. Rest in peace John, you will be missed.
June Hall
March 30, 2020
John Thomas, was a giving sole. His time, talent for charities. From writing the software for the Fred Meyer Gold Star tournaments, to picking up hauling and setting up the equipment in the 80's. This stuff was heavy, John didn't complain. PJP took over operations, John and I still volunteer. Recently we roomed together during the Fred Meyer golf league year end tournament. We remember the good ole days at Fred Meyer. I will miss John, I had known him since 1979, RIP.
Bruce Wright
March 29, 2020
Jphn will be missed at TaxAide. I will miss his sense of humor and our 1:1 discussions during our annual training session. Rest in peace, John.
Sue Richmond
March 29, 2020
J.T. was a one of the best people that I have ever known and playing golf with him was a joy, every time! Fair winds and following seas to you, John.
Bill Sporre
March 29, 2020
I treasured all the time I was allowed to be in his golf orbit. His quit wit and selfless praise of not so good shots will be missed. His signature Blazers jacket was always present on a chilly day and today they have lost a huge fan.
Rick Himrich
March 29, 2020
Thinking of all the pleasurable rounds of golf we played together and the fun Lion's activities we participated in over the years. I will miss John immensely.
Dean Landers
March 29, 2020
I'm so sorry to see that this great man has passed away. I'll never forget the fun years we had in soccer . He was just the nicest. I'll miss seeing him around the neighborhood. Thinking of you all.
Jenna Holliman
March 29, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
David Cooper
March 29, 2020
It was an honor and privilege to work with John in our district's Tax Aide program for several years. He will be truly missed.
Tasha
March 29, 2020
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