John McDaniel Thomas

JOHN MCDANIEL THOMAS, 90, surrounded by love and support of family, was comfortable and peaceful as he passed to his final Homecoming on April 1, 2026. Born to Dewitt Talmadge Thomas and Willie Mae Young in the Western North Carolina mountains near Micaville, John's family moved to Wilmington, NC when he was 8 years old.

As a student at New Hanover High School in Wilmington, John began his lifelong avocation as a talented jazz and the Great American Songbook pianist, later graduating from the Navy School of Music in Washington, D.C. John toured Europe with the U.S. Navy Band. Stationed aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga, NAS Mayport familiarized him with Jacksonville, which was destined to become his home.

John's Navy career also enabled him to graduate with honors from Meteorology Class "A" School in Lakehurst, New Jersey, a factor which helped equip him for his vocation as a television broadcaster of news, weather, sports and variety programs. He worked in broadcasting in Wilmington, NC and Savannah, Georgia, and, in 1963, was hired by Jacksonville's WJXT TV4 News Department. John earned his way from news reporter to 11 p.m. anchor and editor to station news director and director of public affairs. All the while, he continued his formal education at Florida Community College at Jacksonville and then in 1974 as a member of the charter class of the University of North Florida, where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in political science.

Despite his busy schedule of work and school, John continued as an in-demand jazz pianist at such Jacksonville legendary landmarks as The Makai, Ponte Vedra Club, Atlantic Beach Hotel, Le Chateau, Green Turtle, and Ponce at St. Augustine, to name a few.

In a stellar broadcasting career that spanned 18 years with WJXT TV-4 and 14 years with Florida Public Broadcasting, hosting programs such as "Florida Crossroads" and "Today in the Florida Legislature," John met newsmakers across the globe. Among those newsmakers were Anwar Sadat, Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford; Florida Governors Graham, Askew, Martinez and Chiles. He interviewed such notables as Frank Blair, Hughes Rudd and Andy Rooney.

As a musician at the helm of The John Thomas Trio, John shared the stage with many other talented jazz greats such as Dizzy Gillespie, Buddy DeFranco, Russell George and Teddy Washington. Participating in several Jax Festivals, John was often called "the musician's musician." His proudest accolade came from The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson's pianist Ross Tompkins, who always requested to see John Thomas play "...because he's the best."

John lived by his motto, "Enjoy what you do - do what you enjoy." Whether on television or on the piano, he spent his days sharing his talents with others and giving back to his community. An ex-officio past member of the board of directors of the Florida Public Broadcasting Service, Inc., as well as past president of the Jacksonville Broadcast Association and the Jacksonville Epilepsy Foundation, John was a past member of the Mental Health Association of Jacksonville and the Musician's Association of Jacksonville.

Recipient of numerous awards and commendations from United Way committees and City of Jacksonville Elder affairs, John was a founding member and served on the board of Senior Life Foundation. He served as a lay reader for many years at St. Paul's Episcopal by the Sea, and was often asked to entertain at private events as well as sharing his talents with local independent living facilities, memory and assisted living facilities. He was the initial Mayo Clinic for the Humanities Jazz Concert presenter for patients and staff at St. Luke's Hospital before Mayo Hospital was built.

John Thomas was a true musical philanthropist who generously and joyfully shared his prowess at the piano with all. His on-air personality as a broadcaster showcased his talent for disseminating news, information and entertainment, endearing him to local audiences for years and enabling him to interact personally and warmly with fans and friends everywhere. He was a man of diverse interests, exceptional talent, and extraordinary kindness. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Preceded in death by his parents, his beloved sister, M. Louise Thomas Greene, and brothers, James, Harry and David Thomas, John is survived by his loving wife Dana Ratterree Thomas, his beloved daughters Debra Faye Thomas and Erika Lynn Thomas Schroeder (Tony), grandchildren Ashley Mae Schroeder Connolly (John Mark) and great-grands Aiden and ? (due in May), David Anthony and Grace Elizabeth Schroeder. Extended family includes Meg McCullers Fisher, Kelly McCullers Hain (Jeff), and Scott Joseph McCullers (Kelly C.), grandchildren Bryony Fisher Kerkoff (Kevin), Adam T. Fisher, Emily Ann Hain, Baylie Hain Cobb (Dustin) and great-grandchildren Pierson Michael and Monroe Thomas Cobb, Lily Ellen Hain, Carolyn Judith and Henry Cruz McCullers, and many nieces and nephews.

The family sincerely thanks Davis Street neighbors, embraces extended family Victoria, Linda and Joy, and gives special thanks to Dr. Floyd Willis, Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Concierge Cares Alyson, Ronnie, Rebecca and Brittany, the Mayo ICU team and McGraw Hospice Center staff. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or to St. Paul's Episcopal by the Sea, 465 11th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.