Jack T. Thomas

Jack Thomas was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1934. His parents and four siblings lived at the hotel they owned and operated. At the age of 19 he came to the United States to attend Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, where he studied physiology and anatomy, and played soccer for the Varsity team. Upon graduation he returned to Beirut and became a Professor at the American University of Beirut (AUB). Soon he met and married his beautiful wife Claire. In 1963 they immigrated to Los Angeles where Jack continued his teaching career. Throughout his life, Jack became a very well known professor, and taught from the high-school level all the way to the university level.
Aside from teaching, Jack was an avid gardener. Wherever the Thomas family resided, neighbors would flock to his house for delicious, hand-grown fruits and vegetables from his garden. In addition to these wonderful attributes, Jack loved his family more than anything. He raised three beautiful children, Joyce(61), Tom(57), and Howard(D. 1998). Both Claire and Jack dedicated much of their time raising their son Howard, who was born with Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy. Jack and his entire family spent countless hours fundraising, and advocating for children born with Muscular Dystrophy.
One cannot look back without acknowledging the tragedies Jack faced and overcame. It took incredible strength and courage to care lovingly for both Howard and Claire after she was diagnosed with cancer. Jack carried himself as a rational and calm man, a hard working professional in his teaching career, but above all, someone who cherished being with his family, always with a smile on his face and a funny remark forming on his lips. Jack passed away peacefully surrounded by family on April 27, 2021 after a courageous battle with cancer. In honor of Jack, services will be held on Friday April 30, at Mary Star of Sea Parish at 10:30 at 877 West 7th Street San Pedro, California, and a viewing at 10:00 at Mary Star. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to

USC Norris Cancer Center
Attn: Robert Weiner
1441 Eastlake Ave Rm. 8301
Los Angeles, CA. 90089-9181

Check payable to:
USC Norris Cancer Center

In Memo write:
Dr. Lenz Cancer Research/Jack T. Thomas