He grew up in Chicago attended college and then pursued his passion for flying. He went with the U.S. Air Force flying for 10 years. His flying involved the T-33 (trainer), the Pentagon's EC-135 "Looking Glass" and airborne command plane and the KC-135 refueling.
John left the Air Force in June, 1969 and a few months later was hired by Delta Air Line as a pilot.While with Delta, he further pursued his aviation career. After flying many different aircraft and participated with the Air Lines Pilots Association, was trained on the L-1011, eventually made Captain and flew that position until he retired in 1998.
Though he loved boating, fishing and golf, his favorite was hunting with his great friends.
John is survived by his loving wife, Joan (Joanie) Feldkamp Thomas, his daughters Wendy and Kimberly, his sister Diane T. Gelatka, her husband Chuck, their daughter Christa G. Jenkins and her husband Tim and their children, Danna and Alec. He enjoyed time well spent with his Uncle Norman and Aunt Marie. He was born to the late Charles Oscar Thomas and Lavinnia Eleanor Thomas.
There will be no services at this time but a family gathering with John's family.
