John Byron Thomas

John (Jack) Byron Thomas, 84, died peacefully on Oct. 28 at Evergreen Hospice Center in Kirkland, WA, from complications due to Lewy Body Dementia. Jack was born March 1, 1932, in Seattle, WA, to James Milton Thomas and Edna (Hicks) Thomas.He was raised in Aberdeen, WA, and later moved to Olympia where he graduated from Olympia High School in 1950 and later, after meeting and marrying the love of his life, Mary, attended the University of Washington where he earned his B.A. and Masters in History, and attended the U. of Hawaii where he earned his Doctorate in Cultural Anthropology in 1978. He married Mary Durand of Monmouth, IL, in 1967, at St. Patricks Church in Seattle.Jack served 4 years in the Naval Reserve, 2 years in the Army Reserve and 2 years active duty in the Army. While Art and Literature were his true passion, Jack spent the majority of his career in Marine Design, working on projects including systems for WA State Ferries. After retirement, he spent the majority of his time writing his novel and short stories and enjoying time with his family and friends, of most significance, his dear friend, Chrissy Reardon, with whom he shared a wicked sense of humor.Jack is survived by his son, Hugh (Carrie) Thomas of Seattle; his granddaughters, Harper Mary and Emma Claire Thomas; his brother, Robert (Marlys) Thomas of Indianola, WA; his sister, Sue (Peter) Overton of Tumwater, WA, and many nieces and nephews.Jack was preceded in death by his wife, Mary (Durand) Thomas; his brother, James Thomas; and his parents James and Edna Thomas. A funeral mass will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, November 14th, at St. Luke Parish with a recn to follow, 322 N 175 St., Shoreline, WA.