John Gary Thomas

JOHN "JT" GARY THOMASJanuary 20, 1951 ˜ January 11, 2023 John Gary Thomas, 71, of Vancouver, WA, passed away from Lymphoma on Jan. 11, 2023. John, known to most as JT, was born in Portland, OR on Jan. 20, 1951, to Mary (Huffman) and John E. Thomas. JT grew up in the Portland/Vancouver area and graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1969. Throughout high school he enjoyed swimming competitively and excelling academically. He also loved street racing in his '69 Charger and on his motorcycle. After high school he attended Clark College and obtained his Electrical Certification. JT went on to pursue a career as an electrician that spanned over 40 years. During his career JT worked for Far West Electric of Vancouver and then started his own company, JT Electric. In the latter part of his career, he became an electrical inspector for the city of Vancouver. Coworkers, contractors, and homeowners appreciated his helpful and friendly approach. JT always had a smile and one way or another, found the bright side of things. Throughout his career, his trade allowed him to touch the lives of so many. Beyond the scope of his daily job, JT was able to bless others with his electrical expertise by generously helping countless family and friends. In the evening hours, JT helped Betty with her classroom at King Elementary. He sharpened pencils, cleaned and repaired desks, hung displays with the eye of a perfectionist and assisted her in making her classroom a wonderful learning environment. He was also a "Lunch Buddy" to many students over the years. He was a man of faith who, alongside Betty enjoyed serving in their church, Christ Community. Their church family is a very important part of their lives. JT and Betty were always together. They found happiness in walking, bicycling, waterskiing, antiquing, attending car shows in his yellow pickup and traveling. JT and Betty had many adventures such as hitting a Gonzaga or Seahawks game. Or a late-night drive to visit their children and grandchildren. Or paddling kayaks in BC. Or catching some sun in Scottsdale and often water skiing in the early mornings of the summer. Always Christmas in Leavenworth with the entire family. They were soulmates who deeply supported one another and enjoyed all facets of life together to the fullest. JT's family meant everything to him. His children and grandchildren were the joy of his life. He was their #1 fan, their Papa and hero who is deeply missed. JT is survived by his wife, Betty; children: Kane Thomas and spouse, Allison; Karmen Vasnik and spouse, Dale; Kim Haakenson, Howard Johnson and spouse, Arica; sister, Nancy Streeter and spouse, Bill; brother, Mark Thomas and spouse, Candy; brother, Troy Thomas; brothers-in-law: Butch Vander Veen and spouse, Donna; George Vander Veen and spouse, Ellen; grandchildren: Drake Johnson, Blaine Johnson, Carter Johnson, Allison Haakenson, Sarah Haakenson, Madeline Haakenson, Carsten Thomas and Audrey Thomas; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Dan Thomas. Celebration of Life is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 25, 2023, at St. John Lutheran Church, 11005 NE Hwy 99, Vancouver, WA 98686. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Clark County Blood Bank or American Red Cross.

John Gary Thomas

January 20, 1951 - January 11, 2023