Heartfelt Prayers to all members of the extended Thomas Family and Community. One of the more quietly compassionate and unassuming persons known in this life, JT gave more of his care and concern than most ever suspected. As friends, John and I were both born in 1946 just one month apart. It was widely rumored at the time that we shared the oft-dubious distinction of being 'evil babies' together. As youngsters we never actually 'Got Caught' but there were many HIGHLY suspicious circumstances wherein our parents openly yelled that ONLY because there was insufficient evidence were we not "gettin' a beat'n'!" (...just sayin'). The better truth is that our Brother, Parent, Colleague, and Friend was gifted in his ability to make people laugh about themselves. During his last trip to Washington, DC many years ago, we sat in my office nonstop howling, yowling, and bustin' up with laughter for 40+ minutes ... with most of my Washington Office outside the closed doors wondering "What In The World...?" we'd gotten up to in there. John is greatly missed, but G-d will have much more use for such a Spirit.

To the family of John Thomas, my condolences. John and I, with several friends walk many days from Burr Street to the old Classical HS. Precious memories recalling those days. We have those memories to cherish and keep them in our hearts. Be encouraged as you walk the last mile with your Father, brother, grandfather.

It has been a long time sine I saw John Henry. My memories of him are when we were kids. I always saw him laughing and often getting into a little mischief. He was full of life and loved having a good time. I admired that in him. He is at peace now and has no more worries. Blessings to his family and mine.

I will always remember my Dad's love of music. No matter what was going on, there was some type of music in the background. Many days I woke up to a house vibrating from Jazz, Motown, R&B, Classical, Zydeco, Singer Song Writers, and almost every type of music you can imagine. I will never forget his headphones with a cable long enough you could walk through the kitchen, dining room, and even into the living room with them on without ever breaking stride. This was pre-blue tooth and we got some first walkman's that ever came out while I was in junior high - but the sound quality of the his headphones always made the walkman sound like tin cans. 

I know I have him to thank for my love and diversity of music and dance!

What I remember most about John Henry is that as a youngster he had a crush on me. He literally flirted with me. I had to remind him that not only was I way older than him, I was his first cousin! Rest well, John. I will miss your bright personality and even your corny jokes.

There are so many memories I could share about my big brother. He was a terrible tease and loved living by the "Big Brother Code" as the reason he was duty-bound to torment his baby sister. He played the bass fiddle that as you know is a fairly large instrument-certainly much bigger than an elementary school baby sister. And yet, he told me it was my job to carry his base cuz it was "in the code." He got away with it until one day our mom caught us walking to the car together with me struggling behind him to stay on my feet and not drop this huge very heavy bass fiddle. When she asked why he just chuckled. She popped him right in the chest and he laughed harder. I will miss you dearly JT. Try to behave--Meta and Edie are watching. :)