John Thomas

Dr. John Zenzius Thomas, LT, U.S. Navy, residing in Portsmouth, Virginia, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at the age of 32. He is survived by his loving parents, Michael and Monica Thomas; his devoted brother, Nicholas J. Thomas (Alex Burke); his grandparents, Lawrence and Patricia Zenzius, Richard and Pauline Thomas, and Ina Jacobs; his dear aunts, uncles, cousins; and a host of classmates and friends, both military and civilian.

From a young age, Dr. Thomas knew he was called to care for others. That calling led him to a life in medicine, where he poured his heart and soul into every patient, every diagnosis, and every moment of comfort he could provide. For Dr. Thomas, being a doctor was not just a profession-it was a clear purpose and a calling.

Dr. Thomas graduated from the Uniformed Services University in 2021, where he received the Dean's Award for Academic Excellence and was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha. He completed an internship in Emergency Medicine at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth and was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal for his work with the Navy Environmental and Preventive Medicine Unit TWO. After serving as a General Medical Officer, he began training in clinical anesthesiology at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, with anticipated graduation in 2026.

Dr. Thomas approached every aspect of life with passion and an unwavering drive to excel. He was an avid golfer-claiming the Maryland state championship in high school-and continued to compete while on active duty. He was quick-witted, blazingly intelligent, and always thought outside the box. He enjoyed rock climbing, woodworking, and all things related to innovative technologies, proudly describing himself as a "gearhead." He shared his passions with others, especially when it came to patient care. Over the course of several months, he delivered direct education across multiple directorates at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, focusing on patient safety in pain management. He also found deep fulfillment in mentoring junior Sailors, particularly Corpsmen aspiring to advance their medical careers.

Though he preferred to be called John, those close to him affectionately knew him as "JT." To his family, he will forever be our "John Boy."

Services will be held at Temple Solel, 2901 Mitchellville Road, Bowie, Maryland 20716, on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery, 1 Memorial Avenue, Fort Myer, Virginia 22211. Interment will begin promptly at 2:00 p.m., and guests are encouraged to arrive starting at 1:15 p.m.