Jack Sydney Thomas

Jack Thomas was Promoted to Glory on March 13, 2024 in Park Ridge, Illinois.

Jack was born in Kansas City, Missouri on September 12, 1926, the youngest of five children, to Salvation Army officers (pastors), Lt. Colonels Alexander and Myrtle Thomas.  He gave his heart to God at the age of five at The Salvation Army Detroit Citadel Corps.

Every year Jack spent his summers at Salvation Army camps while his mother was director of those camps.  As a youth he was active in Sunday School, Corps Cadets, Junior Soldiership and Young People’s Legion while attending Woodruff High School in Peoria, Illinois and working part-time jobs.  In 1945 Jack was drafted out of high school after taking double courses in his last year to serve in the US Army.  While serving in the Philippines, World War II ended and he then served in Japan as part of the US occupation forces until his discharge in 1947.  Upon returning to The United States, he joined his parents in Des Moines, Iowa where they were serving The Salvation Army as Divisional Commanders.

Jack married his Corps Officer's daughter, the love of his life, Lucille (Lucy) Hester on September 14, 1951, now celebrating 73 years of marriage.  They lived on the Iowa State University campus until Jack received his degree in architectural engineering.  His first job opportunity was in Jackson, Michigan where their son Scott was born.  From 1955 to 1965, Jack practiced architecture in Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Michigan where daughters Diane and Catherine were born.  In 1965 Jack accepted the position as architect at The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.  During this time he enjoyed membership in the Chicago Staff Band, soldiership activities at the Mont Clare and Norridge Corps, along with leadership positions in service clubs.  (Kiwanis, American Camping Association, American Bible Society)

In 1976 Jack combined his architectural skills, his love of Salvation Army camps and youth ministry, to be the director of Wonderland Camp and Conference Center for fifteen years.    After retirement in 1992, Jack participated in The Salvation Army's Global Missions projects:  Jamaica, Haiti, and Saint Martins.  He also enjoyed traveling, sailing his Butterfly boat, flying Cessna 150 planes and remodeling houses.

As a grandfather of seven grandchildren, Michael, Ryan, Nathan, Ian, Shaun, Jaclyn and Jennifer, Jack was blessed with fifteen great grandchildren.  He experienced a bit of heaven on earth while keeping actively involved in their lives.  The Norridge Corps family was also a top priority, as well as his ministry to others.  Jack is best known for his deep faith in Christ and his joyful encouragement.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and one sister.  He is survived by his wife Lucille, son Scott (Peggy), daughters Diane Himes (David) and Catherine Felt (Steve)

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