Joe Thomas

Joe Nathan Thomas III, affectionately known as “JoJo,” was a vibrant, creative, and loving soul who touched the hearts of everyone who knew him. Born on September 19, 1976, in Harbor City, California, Joe entered this world as the firstborn of Marian Rene Wooton and Joe Nathan Thomas Jr., weighing a remarkable 10 pounds, 5 ounces. From the very beginning, his presence was larger than life, and his parents proudly named him to carry on the Thomas legacy.
As a child, Joe was full of energy, curiosity, and joy. Walking at just nine months old, he set his own pace in life, embracing every moment with passion and creativity. His formal education began in Los Angeles, where he attended K-Anthony Pre-School, Marcus Garvey Academy, and Miracle Baptist School. It was during his time at Miracle Baptist School that he accepted Christ at the tender age of 8.
After relocating with his mother to Rancho Cucamonga, Joe attended Bear Gulch Elementary and later graduated from Monrovia High School as a proud member of the Class of 1994. During his high school years, Joe worked at The Old Spaghetti Factory, where his love for culinary arts continued to blossom. This passion led him to enroll in the Culinary Arts program at Cerritos College, where he honed his talent for cooking and baking.
Joe’s culinary creations were a true expression of his love. Whether preparing meals for family gatherings, friends, or professional events, his skill and generosity shone brightly. His children, Kailani and Jordan, especially cherished the meals he crafted from scratch, sharing fond memories of the love he poured into every dish.
Joe’s adventurous spirit led him to explore new horizons, including working as a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines, where his love for travel and the islands deepened. He later joined FedEx as a courier before transitioning into logistics as a document agent. Joe was a man of many passions, from his talent for creating soul-stirring mixtapes to his love of gaming, which became a cherished pastime with his children and brothers.
Joe’s family and friends were at the heart of his life. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his parents, Marian Rene and Joe Nathan Jr. (and his wife CJ); his children, Kailani and Jordan; his brothers, Tye, Shay, and Bryce; and his fiancée, Angela, to whom he became engaged on September 25, 2024. He also leaves behind his “sibling-cousins” Barry, Denette, and CeCe, along with a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews, colleagues, and countless friends.
On December 5, 2024, at the age of 48, Joe departed this earthly life, leaving a void that can never be filled. Though his time with us feels far too short, his legacy of love, joy, and resilience endures. In honor of his favorite team, USC, we will “Fight On” in his memory.
Joe, you are gone too soon, but never forgotten. Until we meet again, farewell for now