John H. Thomas, Jr. Remembrance
February 14, 2021
by Leona Thomas
John Henry Thomas Jr, also known as “JT”, born in Springfield, MA in September 1946 to John Sr. and Meta Thomas, passed from COVID 19 on January 19, 2021 at the Envoy at the Meadows Retirement Home in Goochland Virginia .John attended Springfield Public School graduating from Classical High School, Class of '64, where he played the bass fiddle, timpani and other percussion instruments in the band, orchestra, and swing band. He was also drum major of the marching band. He also played in the Springfield Young Peoples’ Symphony. He attended Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania where he was Bucknell’s Marching Band’s Drum Major as well as met and married his wife Carol Dobbie by whom he had two wonderful daughters. He graduated with a degree in music and returned to Springfield to later teach music at several schools as well as play professionally in several regional professional bands.
In addition to music, JT was also an avid photographer, starting his own photography business and was regularly seen with a wide variety of unusual cameras capturing still, creative landscapes, and candid action shots in addition to his teaching career. He was an avid and constant student of photography always trying new types of cameras and techniques. Many of the family photos reflect he was much more comfortable behind the camera then in front!
Although his love for music and photography would follow him throughout his life, JT was able to join an early group of music majors in the 80’s recognized and being trained in computer programming. With a growing interest in computer programming, John Henry initially became a computer programmer and later a systems analyst that would lead to multiple new opportunities including an independent consulting opportunity leading him to Richmond, Virginia where he settled for the last 20+ years of his life. After many years in the computer industry, John decided to return to teaching, getting his Masters from the University of Phoenix while teaching computer programming and technology to adults. JT eventually retired and transitioned to Envoy at the Meadows Retirement Home where he built a community of friends and staff who were there caring for him at the end.
JT is survived by his aunt Helen Spence, uncle Joseph Postell, daughters Leona Thomas, Heather Sagan, her husband John; his sisters Lucie Lewis, her husband James, and his sister Sharyn Thomas; his grandchildren Carl, Kendell, Kage, and Avalon; 2 great grandchildren; and a very large, loving extended family who will all miss him very much.
A memorial celebration will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made here: John H. Thomas Jr, Memorial Fund.
In addition to music, JT was also an avid photographer, starting his own photography business and was regularly seen with a wide variety of unusual cameras capturing still, creative landscapes, and candid action shots in addition to his teaching career. He was an avid and constant student of photography always trying new types of cameras and techniques. Many of the family photos reflect he was much more comfortable behind the camera then in front!
Although his love for music and photography would follow him throughout his life, JT was able to join an early group of music majors in the 80’s recognized and being trained in computer programming. With a growing interest in computer programming, John Henry initially became a computer programmer and later a systems analyst that would lead to multiple new opportunities including an independent consulting opportunity leading him to Richmond, Virginia where he settled for the last 20+ years of his life. After many years in the computer industry, John decided to return to teaching, getting his Masters from the University of Phoenix while teaching computer programming and technology to adults. JT eventually retired and transitioned to Envoy at the Meadows Retirement Home where he built a community of friends and staff who were there caring for him at the end.
JT is survived by his aunt Helen Spence, uncle Joseph Postell, daughters Leona Thomas, Heather Sagan, her husband John; his sisters Lucie Lewis, her husband James, and his sister Sharyn Thomas; his grandchildren Carl, Kendell, Kage, and Avalon; 2 great grandchildren; and a very large, loving extended family who will all miss him very much.
A memorial celebration will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made here: John H. Thomas Jr, Memorial Fund.