John Harding Thomas Jr.

John Harding Thomas Jr. was born on August 9, 1951, in San Diego, California and the firstborn to the family of John Sr. and Helen Thomas. He was simply called J.T. and as a natural born drummer in high school, he played in a band called The Wild Man & The Brutes. J.T. became a 1969 graduate of Brinkley High School and continued his studies at the University of Arkansas.

On December 30, 1971, he married the love of his life Betty Jane (Janie) Short in Slidell, LA. They chose to make their home in Moro and over the next fifty-one years shared in the joys and memories of two children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

J.T. began his working career at the local Sterling Store owned by his father, John Sr. He secured a position in Banking for a few years before accepting a position on the Short Farm, where he remained for 12 1/2 years. J.T. also spent time working at 3 Rivers Helicopters, helping to fight fires in the Everglades and was instrumental in starting the East Arkansas Wilderness Institute that helps troubled teens. J.T was active in his community as a member of the National Guard along with his best friend Don Griner.

Like most young men growing up in the Southern Delta J.T. enjoyed the outdoors, and the sport of hunting. However, he had a love of family that exceeded all, and their times spent together brought him his greatest joy.
J.T. was raised in the Christian faith and attended times of worship during his youth at the Brinkley First Baptist Church and later the Brinkley Methodist Church. On Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 71, J.T.'s earthly journey came to a close. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Sr., and Helen Griffith Thomas, and son-in-law, Brian Cosby.

He is survived by his wife Janie Short Thomas, children, John S. Thomas (April), Somer Thomas Cosby, brother, David Thomas (Tammy), sister, Debbie Johnson, grandchildren, Mikael Tullos, Zoe Tullos, Brian Cosby, Jasmin Thomas Pielemeier, Ava Thomas, two great grandchildren, Elisabeth, Rudi Pielemeier and his best friend Don Griner.

Services were held on December 21, 2022 at the First Presbyterian Church in Brinkley, with burial at Johnson Cemetery in Wheatley. Arrangements by Bob Neal & Sons Funeral Home.