Jack Nicholas Thomas
8 March 1951 – 22 March 2024

Jack Nicholas (Nick) Thomas of Krum, Texas, died surrounded by family on 22 March 2024 after a very brief battle with cancer. Nick was born on 8 March 1951 at St. Paul Hospital in Dallas, Texas, to Jack Parmer and Wilmina Lolli Thomas. In his final days, Nick told us he had a "good life, full of adventure," and he hoped he was a friend to all.

Nick spent his early life growing up in a typical 1950's neighborhood in northeast Dallas, bordering cotton fields and the old Garland Airport. As a child, Nick attended St. Bernard's Catholic School. Nick often talked of the 50's being a good time to be a kid, with lots of adventures, nurtured by his parents, brother, sisters, and a large, close, and loving extended family of aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. Boy Scouts, working with his dad, and exploring the creeks near his home were his favorite childhood activities. Family vacations to Colorado every summer instilled his lasting love of the Rocky Mountains.

In 1965, the family moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where Nick's dad operated a Redi-Mix concrete plant. The new experience excited teen-aged Nick: getting to attend public school, learning to drive, and working with his dad at "the shop."  Nick learned to be a mechanic, drive trucks, and operate heavy equipment, and made many lifelong friends during this time. His love of cars, particularly Corvettes, was born. Nick graduated from S. H. Rider High School in Wichita Falls in 1969.

In 1970, during the Vietnam war, Nick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps "surprising everyone" and beginning one of the biggest adventures of his life. Nick was a member of the Marine Heavy Helicopter Squadron (HMH) 361 and enjoyed being in the helicopter crew. He spent most of his tour at Marine Corps Air Station Tustin (California), with short deployments "to far-away places."  Nick was very proud to be a Marine, and of obtaining the rank of E-5 Sergeant with an honorable discharge.

After his discharge from service in 1974, Nick went to work in the oil fields of Saudi Arabia, which he saw as life changing. He made good use there of his skills in operating heavy equipment. During his years overseas, he traveled the world, experienced many diverse cultures, and made more close friends along the way.

Nick was deeply passionate about history, particularly WWII in which his dad flew B-17s with the 97th Bombardment Group. Nick was an expert historian on the topic, remained in humble awe of what "The Greatest Generation" accomplished, and never stopped paying tribute, learning, and sharing his knowledge. In 2016, Nick visited the Polebrook (England) Airfield where his dad had been stationed, and later traveled to meet a surviving WWII soldier who had served with his dad. These were special events in Nick's life. His contributions about the war and the people who served will be painfully missed.

In addition to family, friends and history, Nick enjoyed his "little ranch" in the country, building and working on equipment, cars and motorcycles, a glass of Jack, The Rifleman, and his kitties. He had a signature laugh that will never be forgotten. He doted on his two little sisters his entire life and they both returned the love. He spent the last few years helping his siblings care for their aging mother Lolli who recently passed away. Nick's dedication to her made it possible for Lolli to remain in her home, comfortable and independent as she aged. His family is grateful to Nick for all he did for his mom.

Nick is the father of two children, his precious son Jack Roman Thomas and daughter Maria Nicole Thomas (deceased). Nick never got over losing little Maria to leukemia at a very young age. Nick, immensely proud of Jack, his accomplishments, and their shared love of cars, often commented that Jack had grown into a "fine young man."

Nick was preceded in death by his parents and his adored daughter Maria. Nick is survived by his son Jack R. Thomas; his brother Mike Thomas and wife Jody, sister Barbara Thomas Smith and husband Sheen, and sister Nancy Golmon and husband Jeff; his nieces Anna Thomas, Melissa Thomas Foster and husband Michael, Meghan Smith Davidson and husband Matt, and Erin Smith Feges and husband Patrick; great nieces Finleigh and Carsen Foster, Abby Davidson and great nephew Wyatt Feges; his aunts Jeanine McFall and Sherry Lolli, many cousins, extended family, and countless friends.

Nick was a lifelong Catholic. A Mass will be said to celebrate his memory at 10:00 am Fri 3 May 2024 at St. Mark Catholic Church, 6500 Crawford Road, Argyle, Texas. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Thomas, Scott Smith, Charlie Pitts, Jerry Lubbers, Joe Law, Tracey Harris, Rod Lamm (in memoriam), and Jeff Trask.  Nick will be interred with military honors at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas, alongside his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Nick Thomas to The Gary Sinise Foundation.

To watch the recorded version of the service. Please click the link below.

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