Jack H. Thomas

When someone you love becomes a memory… the memory becomes a treasure.

Jack H. Thomas, 91, of Vestal, NY passed away on December 23, 2022 and is now reunited with the love of his life and our Mom, Ruth Anne (Woodburn) Thomas.

Jack was born on June 23, 1931 in Canton, Pennsylvania a son of the late Gerald and Cleora (Herman) Thomas. He was a graduate of Canton High School class of 1950. Following graduation, Jack enlisted into the US Air Force where he proudly served his country during the Korean War Conflict and was assigned to the 47th Air Police Squadron in England. Following an honorable discharge on April 25, 1955, he continued his education and was a graduate of the Mansfield State Teachers college in 1957. It was during his college years at Mansfield, Jack met Ruth Anne, a soon to be teacher and on July 29, 1956 they were married. Jack’s heart was broken on June 27, 2013 when Ruth Anne passed away. Together they shared nearly 57 wonderful years of marriage.

Many will remember Jack as he taught Social Studies at West Middle School in Binghamton. His strong and loving personality was also found on the football field as he served as coach for the Binghamton Central Football team and the Vestal Challenger Baseball League. Dedicated to his community, Jack also served as a coach for the Binghamton Little League and the Vestal Youth Football League. He was a devoted member of the South Hill Presbyterian Church. When not sharing his love of sports, Jack also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and was an avid Penn State and NY Mets Fan.

Jack will be greatly missed by his children: Mark (Julee) Thomas; Marcia (Mark) Sanford; Craig (Dianne) Thomas; his grandchildren: Shana Thomas, Katie Thomas, Brian (Nicole) Thomas, Brandon Sanford (Morgan Bowman), Josh (Kenzie) Thomas, Megan Sanford, Danny Sanford and Derrick Sanford. A niece Pam Zukowski and her family; nephew: Cam Chapman and his family; and many friends also survive. Jack was predeceased by his parents, his wife Ruth Anne; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law: Margaret and David Chapman.

Family and friends are invited to attend a period of visitation on Friday, May 26th from 10 -12 pm at the Sutfin Funeral Chapel, 273 S. Main St., Nichols.  A memorial service and celebration of Jack's life will follow at 12 pm with Pastor Karen Ballard, officiaitng.  Jack will be laid to rest next to his wife in the Rome Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared by visiting his guestbook at www.sutfinfuneralchapel.com

Special Thanks to the Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad , and the staff of United Health Service Wilson Regional Medical Center North tower 4 and the palliative care team. Those who wish may kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Vestal Volunteer Emergency Squad, 340 Vestal Parkway East, Vestal, NY 13850 or the UHS Foundation ~ Cancer Care Fund, 10-42 Mitchell Ave., Binghamton, NY 13903 in loving memory of Jack H. Thomas.