Jack Frederick Thomas

1930 - 2022

THOMAS, Jack Frederick, born to this life on May 14, 1930, entered eternal life on September 29, 2022. He is survived by his two children, son, Mark Hunter Thomas (Lucy) and daughter, Jamie Thomas Joseph (Harley Jr.); three grandchildren, Lori Thomas Moore (Nathan), Courtney Joseph Moon (Cary IV) and Austin Thomas Joseph (Allison); and four great-grandchildren.

Jack grew up in Bluefield, West Virginia and graduated from Beaver High School in 1948. It was there that he met and married the love of his life, Elizabeth Horne Thomas, on July 15, 1950. Jack and Beth celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary this year, only 13 days before Beth's passing.

Following high school, Jack worked for the N&W Railroad before joining the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After four years of service, he attended Virginia Tech, graduating with honors in 1958 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. He then began his 30-year career with Dupont, where he lived and worked in several different states including West Virginia, Oklahoma, Delaware and Texas. Jack retired from Dupont in 1985 and moved to Smith Mountain Lake, but not being one to relax for very long, he became the Manufacturing Manager at Graham White Manufacturing Co. in Salem, Virginia from 1986 to 1988.

Jack was passionate about many things in his lifetime. He loved everything associated with the N&W railroad and was a Civil War buff. He loved fishing, boating and building. He could build or repair almost anything and loved the challenge of a new project. He was a private pilot and founding President of the Mid Ohio Valley Aviation Association. He loved traveling the country with his wife in their RV, serving as the founding VP of the Cardinal Virginian Chapter of the Family Motor Coaching Association, making lasting friendships along the way but always returning to the Shenandoah Valley that he loved so much. He was passionate about singing throughout his life and was proud to be a member of the Chancel Choir at Salisbury Presbyterian Church, under the direction of Dr. Mark Patterson, during the final years of his life.

Above all else, Jack's greatest love on this earth was for his wife, his family and his friends. He cared deeply for these people and never missed an opportunity to share his hugs as a reminder. Jack's steadfast love and devotion to his family and friends will be forever missed as we navigate this world without him.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, October 8, at 11 a.m. at Salisbury Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Salisbury Presbyterian Church Friends of Music Fund.