John J. Thomas

November 14, 1923 - July 22, 2010

John J. Thomas, 86, Brazil, passed away peacefully at Cloverleaf Health Care, Thursday July 22, 2010.

John was born on Nov. 14, 1923, in Parke County, IN, to Joe and Hazel (Gross) Thomas. He and his siblings were raised on the family farm in rural Rockville. He attended a one room grade school, Crossroads, before graduating as valedictorian from Rockville High School in 1942. He then enrolled at Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

John’s college education was interrupted in 1943 when he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and served as a gunnery instructor Sergeant. While stationed in Boise, Idaho in 1945 he met and married Jessie Sparks. They returned to Indiana where John resumed his education and later graduated with a degree in law. In 1948 he and his family moved to Brazil where John began his life-long career as an attorney and trial lawyer. In 1956 he was joined in his law practice by his brother Amos.

John served two terms as the Prosecuting Attorney of Clay County from 1950 – 1958. He also served as the President of the Indiana Prosecuting Attorney’s Council from 1955-1956 and the President of Clay County Bar Association from 1988 – 1990. He was a member of the Clay County and Indiana Bar Associations, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association and Indiana Defense Lawyers Association.

In 1966 John was elected for the first term of his 24 year service as a State Representative. During his tenure he served as House Speaker Pro-Tem; House Assistant Majority Leader; House Assistant Minority Leader; Midwest Region Chairman, National Chairman, Executive Committee of the Council of State Governments; Executive Committee of National Conference of Legislatures. Additionally, John received numerous legislative honors including: Service Award for the Handicapped, Service to Older Americans and Older Hoosiers Award, Several State Legislator of the Year Awards, and National Legislator of the Year Award. While serving as legislator John sponsored hundreds of high school students as Legislative Pages to the State House, providing transportation and dinner.

John’s tremendous interest in the character development and citizenship of youth led him to service in Boy Scouts of America. John served as President of the Wabash Valley Council as well as Council Commissioner. He was the longest serving member of their Board of Directors. Not only did he hold additional local, state and national offices in Boy Scouts but he also received such coveted awards as Silver Beaver and Silver Antelope. Combining his devotion to scouting and the United Methodist Church he presided over the National Association of United Methodist Scouter’s (NAUMS).

John was a lifetime member of the United Methodist Church. He has served as Church Lay leader, Certified Lay Speaker, District Lay Leader, Delegate to General and Jurisdictional Conference of United Methodist Church, Conference Lay Leader, Conference President of United Methodist Men, General Council on Ministries, General Board of Church and Society, Commission on General Conference, Area Episcopacy Committee, Director of the United Methodist Men Foundation, Chairman of the Commission on General Conference, Affiliate member of the General Board of Discipleship and has delivered the Laity Address to General Conference.

John joined the Brazil Rotary Club in 1948 maintaining perfect attendance until becoming ill in 2008. He served as the Club President from 1960 to 1961 and the District Governor of District 6580 from 1993 – 1994. John was especially proud of initiating and sponsoring the annual Fourth of July sack races held during the carnival at Forrest Park.
He was the recipient of the Paul Harris award in 1978.

His Masonic memberships included: Centennial Lodge #541, Brazil, IN; York Rite Bodies of Greencastle, IN; DeMolay Legion of Honor; Past Commander in Chief, Crowned 33rd Degree Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, Valley of Terre Haute, IN September 26, 1973; and Member of Zorah Shrine Temple, Terre Haute, IN.

His community activities include charter member and director of the Brazil Junior Chamber of Commerce, Brazil Elks, Director of the Brazil Chamber of Commerce, YMCA Board of Directors, Jaycees Outstanding Young Man, Advisory Board of Vincennes University, , Sagamore of the Wabash, Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters – DePauw University, Trustee – University of Indianapolis, Charter member and Director of Clay County United Way, and Legislative Advisor to the U.S. Trade Representative Carla Hills.

John was an avid traveler. In 1965 he embarked on a world tour with his family which included more than 30 countries. He delighted in taking his children and grandchildren with him on these adventures. In his lifetime he visited 6 continents and nearly 50 countries. He especially enjoyed sharing his travelogues with others.

After the dissolution of his first marriage he moved to Sun City West. While there he met and married Marion Ojard. They enjoyed traveling, entertaining family and friends in their home, and attending spring training baseball games.

He took pleasure in vegetable gardening, making gooseberry pies and canning grape jelly. He also enjoyed mushroom hunting, fishing – especially in the mountains of Idaho and Alaska, Cubs Baseball, and IU Basketball as well as spending time serving others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother Noel Thomas, nephew Dr. Mark Thomas, and sister-in-law Mary Thomas.

John leaves behind his wife Marion Thomas of Mobile, Alabama, children: Jana Wilkes (Glade) Avon, IN, Dr. Jamie Thomas, Pocatello, ID, Joanna Connors (Mike), Brazil, IN; former wife Jessie Thomas, Brazil, IN; grand children: Angela Ross, (Dave), Avon, IN, Christine Wolf, (Troy), of Ohio, Nick French (Jennifer) Brazil, Cassandra Parkins (Aaron), Indianapolis, IN; great-grandchildren: Madelyn Hayes, Morgan Hayes, Makayla Hayes, Isabella Ross, Olivia Wolf, Emily Wolf, Mara Parkins, and Kaden French; brothers: Henry Thomas (Carolyn), and Amos Thomas (Betty), both of Greencastle; sister Mary Jane Landis (Bill) FL, sister-in-law Shirley Thomas, Clay City, IN