John J. Thomas III

John Jay Thomas III, age 80, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 28, 2021 at the Shores of Pleasant Hill.

John was born February 13, 1941 in Des Moines, Iowa to John Jay Thomas II and Virginia R. (Blackford) Thomas. He was a graduate of East High School, class of 1959. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and spending time at his lake house at Thunderhead. He spent a lot of time keeping his yard looking good. He was an avid Chicago and Iowa Cubs fan. John retired from the Railroad after many years of faithful service. His love of trains extended beyond his job; he found enjoyment in them all his life. He was a Mason and a member of the Elks Lodge #98. He enjoyed spending time there, especially his Wednesday night suppers.

He is survived by his sons, Bradley (Maria) Thomas, John IV (Konii) Thomas, Erik (Kim) Thomas, Randy Hansen, and Rick Hansen; grandchildren, Celia, Nicole, Jayden, Ryan (Melissa), Brandon (Chayne), Shannon (Bryan), Monica, Jeremy, Ricky, Patrick, Mia (Cory), Amber, Max, Ashley; great-grandchildren, Trey, Johanna, Erica, Brayden, Hunter, Rainey, Ronin, Colby, Ian, Luella, Toby, Caleb, Jadon, Hailey, Nevaeh, Evelina, Aldon, Ezio, and Opal; siblings, Janet Nicholson and Jim (Bobbi) Thomas; and numerous nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and many special friends.

In addition to his parents, John and Virginia (Blackford) Thomas, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Nancy Thomas; granddaughter, Miranda Hansen; and his sisters, Lyla Hurst and Judy Clark.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Monday, August 2, 2021 at Hamilton’s Funeral Home, 605 Lyon Street, Des Moines. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, August 3, 2021, also at Hamilton’s, and will conclude with burial at Laurel Hill Cemetery. There will be a reception at Elks Lodge #98, 5420 NE 12th Avenue, Pleasant Hill, after the burial.

Contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of John.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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