John Dallas "JD" Thacker Jr.

John Dallas "JD" Thacker, Jr., beloved son, brother, and uncle, passed away at home in the loving care of his parents on August 14, 2025, in Fresno, California, after bravely facing complications of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1. Born on February 22, 1982, in Gilroy, California, JD lived a life marked by kindness, humor, faith, and a deep love for family. JD was the cherished son of John D. Thacker, Sr., and Stacey B. Thacker. He grew up in a loving and bustling home, alongside his siblings: Andrea, Chris, David, Karen, and the late Samuel William Thacker, whose memory JD always held close. A graduate of Golden Valley High School in Merced (Class of 2000), JD's talents were wide-ranging-from water polo and theater (earning the title of Thespian) to becoming an Eagle Scout. He later earned an associate degree in accounting from the University of Phoenix. JD's faith defined him. As a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Washington Tacoma Mission from 2001 to 2003, he often called those years "the best two years of my life." His testimony of Jesus Christ was unshakeable, and he generously shared his faith and hope with those he met. After working as a security guard for many years, JD's life changed with his diagnosis of Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 in July of 2021. After his diagnosis, JD embarked on a 95-day cross-country bucket list journey with his parents declaring to his mother, "I am living my best life!" He truly demonstrated that while "you cannot add more days to your life, you can add more life to your days." Wishing to make a difference for others, JD advocated for rare disease research in Washington D.C., lending his voice to the call for continued funding and fervently stating, "It's too late for me, but we have to save my sister" who along with his father received the same diagnosis a month after his. Those who knew JD will remember countless moments of laughter and connection. Whether orchestrating legendary "Sock Fights" at Early Thanksgiving gatherings, engaging in games with family or sharing movie nights and Lego sessions with his beloved nephews. His nieces and nephews enjoyed his company and the little games he would create playing with them. His loyal dog, Buddy was always by his side, offering both companionship and comfort to the very end. Throughout his illness, JD never complained. He met each day with courage, concern for others, and an undiminished sense of humor. His thoughtfulness never wavered; he cared deeply for his mother. He cherished renewed time with his father and as their disease progressed, they became good TV buddies. JD is survived by his parents John and Stacey Thacker, his siblings Andrea Thacker Delcore (Hank), Chris Jensen (Melissa), David Jensen (Amber), and Karen Thacker Papin (Jordan). He is also survived by his nine nieces and nephews Henry Delcore, Roxy Jensen, Sam Delcore, Royce Jensen, Lillie Papin, Sarah Papin, Emie Papin, Scott Miles Papin, and Hallie Jensen and his faithful dog Buddy. He is preceded in death by his brother Sam Thacker. The family would especially like to acknowledge Hinds Hospice for their dedicated service to JD over the past 9 months, especially his nurse, Paige, home health aide Xiang, and social worker Mary Kay. JD's life will be celebrated at the following services: Visitation/Viewing: Friday, August 22, from 5:00–7:00pm at Farewell Funeral Services, 660 W Locust Ave. Ste 101, Fresno, CA. Graveside service: Orem City Cemetery, 1520 N 800 E. Orem, Utah on Tuesday, August 26, at 11:00am. Celebration of Life: Saturday, August 30, at 1:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Sierra Ward, 3375 Sierra Ave, Fresno, CA. The family invites all to attend. A Zoom link is available for remote participation: Click Here to Join In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Myotonic Foundation Click to Give to foster the hope that guided JD's journey-to support others, to fund a cure, and to honor a life lived with faith and love.