John (Jack) Thomas

Thomas, John A. (Jack) was born June 10, 1929, in Knoxville, TN and grew up in Knoxville and Calderwood, TN. After graduating from Knoxville High School in 1945, Jack attended the University of Tennessee where he played on the varsity basketball team, and was a member of the TClub and the Delta Tau Delta fraternity. Jack served in the United States Army from 1948-49 before continuing his college education and obtaining a Bachelor of Sciences, and then his Juris Doctor in 1954. After college, Jack practiced as a respected Knoxville attorney that specialized in wills, trusts, and estate planning. After several years in private practice, Jack worked in the Trust Department at Hamilton National Bank, and later in the Trust Department at First Tennessee Bank. Jack served his community as a member of the Scottish Rite, the Optimist Club of Knoxville, the ROMEOS, and served as a former elder and deacon at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church. In his last several years, Jack was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Naples, Florida. Socially, Jack was a long-time member of the Cherokee Country Club in Knoxville, and the Moorings Country Club in Naples, where he also served as the club's president. Preceded in death by parents Dr. Dan R. and Emily K. Sjoblom Thomas; infant son; wife Nancy Garth Thomas; daughter Pamela Thomas Branham; son-in-law Paul H. Harbin; and brother Rev. Dan R. Thomas, Jr. Survivors include his wonderful wife, companion, and advocate Sandra L. Thomas; adoring daughters Susan T. Harbin and Brenda (Jim) Todd; grandchildren Christine (Jordan) Todd Basham, Brian Todd, and Elizabeth Grace Druit; stepchildren Autumn (Clifford) Druit, and Greg (Ann) White; brother Dr. E. Dewey (Joan) Thomas; sister-in-law Doris Thomas; brother-in-law Dr. Richard Garth; and several nieces and nephews. An athlete who played competition volleyball for the YMCA, and varsity basketball for the University of Tennessee, Jack also managed a good tennis game in his day. But anyone that knew Jack knew that golf was his passion. He was a brilliant, considerate, and compassionate man, who, despite his body betraying him, maintained his sharp mind and wit to his last day. The family will conduct a private funeral service, but will receive friends Saturday, January 5 from 10a-12p at Rose Mortuary, Mann Heritage Chapel, 6200 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, 3700 Keowee, Knoxville, TN 37919 (865.522.9804).

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John (Jack) Thomas

June 10, 1929 - December 23, 2012