J Thomas was born September 1, 1954, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. He spent 15 years as an automotive paint and body technician, leaving that profession only to pursue a lifelong dream of becoming a firefighter. During that time, J was a part of the firefighter reserve program, which was his stepping stone to joining the Concord Fire Department full-time. He spent 20 years serving with the Concord Fire Department, before retiring in 2016 with the rank of senior firefighter. His career involved being on the rescue, collapse, and engine company.

J was proud to be a fireman and enjoyed helping, training, and encouraging the younger firefighters. He was well respected by everyone he worked with. He also enjoyed competing in the Firefighter Combat Challenges all over the state. He would wake up early to run 5-6 miles each day before starting his shift and would encourage others to join. This became a morning routine for J, and he would continue running regularly throughout his career as a firefighter and after retirement.

When he was not at the fire station, you would often find him in the garage continuing his hobby of paint and body work or restoring his 1956 Chevy pickup truck. J loved planning and taking trips to the Great Smoky Mountains of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and fishing off the Cherry Grove Pier in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. As soon as he would get home from one trip, he was already planning the next. He loved using these trips to make memories with his children and grandchildren.

After retiring from the Concord Fire Department, J continued serving the community as a volunteer with Odell Volunteer Fire Department. Because of his continued effort and hard work, he was awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2020. During his time at Odell VFD, J was able to respond to calls alongside his son, Daniel, and daughter, Devan.

J was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2019 but continued serving the community and the fire department for as long as he was physically able. On December 8, 2021, after a long and hard-fought battle, J Thomas passed away while surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Sandra Thomas; his children, Tonia Jackson (Kyle), Joshua Thomas (Samantha), Daniel Thomas (Danielle), and Devan Clayton (Brantley); seven grandchildren, Rita, DJ, Landon, Jack, Logan, Tucker, and McConnor; and his sister, Debbie Thomas.