John Thomas

1941 - 2023

And live he did! John was born in Prescott, Arizona to Jack Thomas and Louise Knipe. He attended the University of Arizona where he majored in mathematical engineering or what would come to be known as computer engineering and where his career as a software engineer began. He also spent many weekends diving for lobsters in Guaymas, Mexico with Alex Kerstitch. He was thrilled when his love of all things technological and new would combine with his past diving adventure, and he was able to post "Lure of the Deep", a movie of his diving trips made in the 1960's, onto YouTube. His adventurous spirit and love of the outdoors would continue his whole life. Following graduation, he married Catherine Mohr and moved to San Jose where his daughters Andrea and Erica were born. As an IBM Systems Programmer and engineer, John loved being challenged, solving problems, and finding solutions. As a father, he loved family adventures in the VW bus. He couldn't pass up a great camping spot at the end of a dirt road and his children have many wonderful memories of family camping adventures. A three year placement with IBM in Germany allowed many more adventures all over Europe. The last twenty years of John's career were at IBM Almaden Research Center. Retirement meant more time for travel, sports and family, he did it all. He loved being a grandfather and was proud to see his granddaughter continue in his spirit, not only as a University of Arizona student, but as an adventurer, 49er fan, and lover of anchovy pizza. John's athletic adventures which started with diving moved onto skiing, hiking, biking, and settled on beach volleyball in the1970's. In 1987, he partnered with Audrey Trautwein, on the court and in life. They moved near the courts on 3rd Avenue in 1992, where their home became volleyball central. In 2017, they were married on Court 3. John's love of the game and his sportsmanship were inspirational to many players who went on to become lifelong friends. Those friends were instrumental when John was diagnosed with Parkinson's at age 68. By supporting John's tenacious desire to lead an active life, they allowed him to continue to do what he loved. The family is thankful to Liz Fowler, who created and led Parkinson's beach volleyball; Stacy Kim, Paula Mierau, and Marty Haynes who created and led Climbing Out of Parkinson's at Pacific Edge Climbing Gym; Phil Kaplan, who offered Ping Pong to those with Parkinson's, and Greg Goodman, who biked alongside John during most of the 2200 miles he put on his recumbent trike. Family as well as friends in both the beach volleyball and Parkinson's group (EasePD) were invaluable in helping John lead a meaningful life with so much to be thankful for. Nevertheless, after 13 years, John decided it was time to end Parkinson's on his terms through the End of Life Option Act. The last weeks of his life were filled with loving goodbyes from those most dear to him. In true fashion, John continues to give to others and help solve problems by donating his body to science and help find a cure for Parkinson's. Court 1 on Seabright Beach will be dedicated in honor of John's "exemplary sportsmanship, strength of character, loving heart, and indomitable spirit both on the court and off." John is survived by his wife Audrey Trautwein; daughters Andrea Ellis and Erica Thomas; granddaughter, Lillian Ellis; sister Mary Anthony; and Audrey's children and families - Rachel, Anthony, Judson, and Audrey Davis - Chris, Emily, Jack, and Mark Hanson. A Celebration of John's life will be held Sept 9. Contact Audrey for details. Donations may be made to EasePD.org and the BrainSupportNetwork.org.