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Jesse James Thomas

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Jesse Thomas Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on May 31, 2024.

Jesse James Thomas, born on November 13, 1933, in Greenfield, Indiana, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2024, in Murrieta, California, at the age of 90.
Jesse (Jim) graduated from Greenfield High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Taylor University, Upland, Indiana and a bachelor of divinity degree from Garret Theological Seminary, Evanston, Illinois. He also earned a Ph.D from Northwestern University and was a Post-Doctoral Diplomate of The Gestalt Institute of Cleveland. An esteemed educator, Jesse dedicated much of his life to academia, teaching at institutions such as Saginaw Valley State College (1967-1977), San Diego State University, and the University of San Diego. He was also a respected Licensed Marriage, Family, and Child Therapist. His intellectual contributions extended beyond the classroom through his prolific writing of scholarly journal articles and authoring books well into his retirement. He excelled at putting complex theories into everyday language.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Jesse was a man of many passions. He was an avid gardener, finding joy and tranquility among the flora of his cherished backyard oasis, a half- acre of botanical garden quality specimens. His love for the serenity of nature was matched by his love for intellectual pursuits, particularly reading and discussing philosophy and world religions, which illuminated his thoughtful perspective on life.

Jesse's personal life was filled with love and laughter, especially with his late wife, Bonnie (Sada). Together, they enjoyed many happy years in various California locales, including San Diego, Bodega Bay, Palm Desert, Idyllwild and Murrieta. His loving legacy will live on through his children: Carla Thomas, Claudia Thomas, Lisa (Colin) Black, and Jessica Thomas; stepchildren: Lance (Jonna Beth) Sada, Michelle Sada, Michael Sada, and Dominique (David) Sada Klein; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jesse was the cherished brother of Margie (Don) Smith and Suzan (Walter) Vandenbark. He was predeceased by his wife, Bonnie; parents, Evelyn and Jesse B. Thomas; and son, Paul Thomas.

A celebration of Jesse's life will be held at a future date to honor his memory and legacy. Those wishing to commemorate Jesse's life are encouraged to make a charitable contribution to the Multiple Sclerosis Association, or to the charity of one's choice.

Jesse's curiosity, wisdom, and humor will be fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His impact as a teacher, mentor, and family man will endure in the hearts of those he touched.

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Recent Activity

May 25, 2025

Arnold Benz posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2024

Kai posted to the memorial.

August 8, 2024

Patricia Tea posted to the memorial.

4 Entries

Arnold Benz

May 25, 2025

I met Jesse at a conference on science and religion. Being a physicist, I did not understand what the scholars of theology and humanities were talking about, except one: Jesse Thomas. He told us scientists how animals perceive the world. It is related to human perceptions by emotions. We corresponded and argued about it for many years.

It has broadened my horizons and stimulated Jesse to write a book about it, "Embodiment - How animals and Humans Make Sense of Things: The Dawn of Art, Ethics, Politics, and Religion." The book appeared in 2018 and is a testimony of his wisdom in his late years. I consider it the best discussion of cognition in psychology, following the work of the philosophers C. S. Peirce, M. Merleau-Ponty, and M. Eliade. The book is not easily available, but I have a few in stock and can deliver them on demand. His last book is a legacy that makes him unforgettable and he would cherish.

Kai

September 12, 2024

I was a student of Jesse's for one semester at San Diego State. He had such a loving presence in the class room. I didnt really see him as a conventional "professor" due to this.

At the time i took his class, I wasnt so tapped into myself as i am now. I was only just starting my journey of discovering/uncovering who i really am.

His class revolved around a workbook he wrote called "The Youniverse". Looking back, it was the universe(or youniverse) introducing me to a new way of seeing, thinking, and being through Jesse and his class.

I remember him telling funny stories about him and his adventures with his wife. And all the many types of religions he associated himself with through the year (which was funny to me cause he didnt seem religious at all).

He pulled me aside one day and told me the only two people he truly felt understood him and his workbook were me and another girl. I also saw it this way. It made me feel a kinship with him.

Anyways, i never saw him or spoke to him after that class but always rememebered him. Ive been going through a difficult and debilitating illness the last five years. And Jesse was in my dream this morning.

I was sitting in a class at San Diego state. And he came from behind and put both his hands on my shoulders. He said in his deep voice "Hi Kai, the class will be short and sweet. and be done with as much love as possible". I woke up right after he said this feeling an immense love.

After waking up, i googled him and saw he passed earlier this year. With the type of man he was, im sure hes never far away. It was such a blessing to have taken his class and get a small taste of his 'youniverse'.

Sending my love and good wishes to Jesse and his family.

Much love,
Kai

Patricia Tea

August 8, 2024

At Saginaw Valley College I thought he looked like Tarzan. Then he sat down in Down Center to talk to my friend and I was thoroughly confused. So unpretentious then I ended up taking a required class and I learned how to feel

E. Nicholas Genovese

June 9, 2024

Yes, that's the fellow whom I had the pleasure of knowing when he taught for Religious Studies at SDSU and was Chair of Classics and Humanities. He was always rushing in and out because of a hectic personal and professional schedule, but there was always time for a brief exchange. It's been many years now, but I send my condolences to his children and those others who knew and loved him.