John (Jack) Arthur Thomas

Our loving husband, father and grandfather, John Arthur Thomas, passed away peacefully in his home on September 18, 2023, with his wife and children at his side.

John (Jack) was born February 7th, 1940, to Arthur Unger Thomas and Dora Mae Taylor in Payson, Utah. Jack loved the years he spent in Payson. He spoke often of his cousins next door and his many childhood friends. He enjoyed hikes up to Red Point, biking down Payson Canyon, and sledding at Peteetneet Elementary.

In his teens, Jack learned to work hard, most summers were spent on local farms, and later a job at a local grocers. Jack loved music. In Jr. High, Jack began playing the saxophone. He had a natural sense of rhythm and pitch. He joined a local dance band and played for many dances and other events in town. His love of music lasted his whole life. He was particularly fond of Jazz.

Jack graduated from Payson High School in 1958. Following his graduation, he moved to California and attended college at San Mateo. After completing his first year of college, he served in the Central States Mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Upon completing his mission, he returned to Utah and completed a degree in Sociology at BYU. He then returned to California to live and work. While there, he obtained a pilot's license. Jack loved to fly and took many of his friends and family up for a ride.

In the summer of 1972, Jack and his friend George decided to take a few weeks and travel the country. Their first stop was Salt Lake City where George had arranged a blind date for Jack. It was then he met Susan Hinckley. He wrote to her every few days while traveling. After returning to California following his trip, he packed up his belongings and moved back to Utah to be close to Susan. They were married for time and all eternity on December 29th, 1972, in the Salt Lake Temple. Jack and Susan moved to Bountiful, Utah, where they lovingly and diligently raised their 6 children.

Most of Jack’s professional life was spent as a security officer in the Personal Protection Division for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He loved his job and served faithfully until he retired. During retirement Jack served a mission with his sweetheart at the Centerville Cannery. He was passionate about preparedness and loved the other missionaries he served with.

Jack loved books and learning. He could often be found reading, watching documentaries or studying maps. He loved and honored his Welsh heritage. Jack loved his music. He collected thousands of records and CDs and spent many hours listening to his favorite artists and albums.

Most of all, Jack loved his family. Nothing gave him more joy than spending a Sunday evening with his children and grandchildren around him.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Harry and Dean, and sister Helen. Jack is survived by his wife of 50 years, Susan, sons Evan (Sabrina) and Alonzo, daughters Amie (Chris), Alisha, Merica (Dave), and Erin (Ben), sister Arta, brother Jay, and 19 grandchildren whom he adores.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 23, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 37th Ward Building at 1540 North 400 East in Bountiful, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church prior to services.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Brothers Mortuary Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes before the services and will be posted below.