John Thomas

John “JT” Bernard Thomas, 55, of Lewis Center, went to be with the Lord Saturday July 6. He was a loving and devoted husband and father, son, brother, uncle, and friend to all who knew him. His wife Amy and three children Kiana (Katie), Aiden, and Addison were his whole world and he gave himself to his family. 

John grew up in the Tri-Valley area of Ohio, graduating from Tri-Valley High School in 1987. He was a proud member of the drumline in the Scotties Marching Band. After high school, John played drums in the band Whiteline, performing throughout Coshocton and Zainesville. John worked at Longaberger for a number of years. He worked as a Unit Coordinator at the OSU James Cancer Hospital for over ten years, where he met Amy. John’s most recent employment was as a food service worker at Olentangy High School. John adored the students, often chatting with them in the food line. Together with family, John attended the games and cheered on the high school football and basketball teams, where he often wore the numbers of some of the players.  

John’s hobbies included his man cave “metal room,” where he listened to an eclectic variety of music from classic rock, jazz, classical, and other genres. He loved to show off his extensive vinyl collection. He was an avid sports fan, a lover of the Buckeyes, Browns, Cavs, and his favorite PGA players. John was a master at the culinary arts, and loved to cook an assortment of dishes for his family and friends. John lived to serve his family and friends. He is forever known for his kindness, sense of humor, fantastic cooking, and his unfailing love for his wife and children.  

John is preceded in death by grandparents Bernard and Marion Smith, and father in law Keith Gleich. He is survived by his wife of 15 years Amy (Gleich), children Kiana Saylor (28), Aiden (13), and Addison (13), parents Bruce and Linda Thomas, sister Penny Gregorich, mother in law Jenny Gleich, brother in laws Danny (Jamie) and David (Nicky) Gleich, and nephew and nieces Shelby Gregorich, Michael (Nolan), Kaitlynn, Jesse, and Ben Gleich.