of Clarkedale, AR
August 27, 1937 - December 21, 2021
A. Jan Thomas, Jr., was born in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Aug. 27, 1937, the son of Evelyn and Albert Thomas. He passed from this world on Dec. 21, 2021, at his residence in Clarkedale. Raised in the small town of Clarkedale in the years following World War II, he attended West Memphis public schools and graduated from West Memphis High School in 1955. Jan continued his education at the University of Arkansas, obtaining a B.S.B.A. in accounting in 1959 and then receiving his Juris Doctorate in 1962.
Jan began practicing law in 1963 in West Memphis with Nance Law Firm, ultimately opening his own law practice in 1965. Always looking for ways to support and assist his community, he served as former Deputy City Attorney for West Memphis, as well as a former Deputy Prosecutor for the Second Judicial District. The father of three also served as United States Bankruptcy Trustee for the Eastern District of Arkansas, Jonesboro, Helena, and Batesville Districts. A member of the Arkansas House of Representatives for the 1969 and 1971 legislative sessions, he was recognized for his service to others and received the Outstanding Volunteer Attorney of the Year for Crittenden County in 2006 and the Lawyer Community Legacy Award from the Arkansas Bar Association in 2014. Later in his lengthy career, you could find Jan regularly meeting other local attorneys at one of several lunch spots each day in West Memphis or Marion. He relished spending time with his long-time peers and friends, while supporting local businesses.
Jan Thomas passionately devoted time to others in our community through the Boy Scouts of America and the Marion School Board. After earning the rank of Eagle Scout in 1952, he went on to lead the Marion Boy Scout Troop 72 from 1961 through 1996. Through the years he took numerous men and women from Crittenden County on countless trips to hike at Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico, to participate at the National Boy Scout Jamborees, and many other camping and canoeing trips. More than 60 young men earned the rank of Eagle Scout with the leadership and guidance of Jan. The recipient of numerous accolades from scouting, some notable awards include the Silver Beaver, Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow, Distinguished Eagle Scout, and Woodbadge. An active participant in Scouts on Stamps Society International (SOSSI), he served as its president from 2002 through 2007.
Always with an altruistic spirit, Jan believed in his community and consistently sought ways to make Crittenden County, Marion, and West Memphis better for all citizens. He knew providing a strong educational foundation was imperative for the success and betterment of students. Joining the Marion School Board in 1983, he proudly and happily served as President for 36 years. The longtime public servant has been with the district through tremendous growth and change, including the addition of new technologies and construction. Jan was involved in the Arkansas School Board Association, and much like his acknowledgements in law and Scouts, he was the recipient of its Pinnacle Award in 1999 and the Dr. Daniel L. Plinkinton Award for Outstanding Service to Public Education in 2019.
Rarely able to sit still for very long, Jan enjoyed hunting, building, and taught Sunday School at First United Methodist Church in West Memphis. Without fail you could find him headed to the mountains of southern Colorado to hunt elk and mule deer every October. The annual pilgrimage to the mountains began in 1978; this October he successfully hunted with friends and harvested turkeys, whitetail deer, fallow deer, oryx, and a black bear.
There are not adequate words to describe the love Jan had for his family. He cared greatly about his wife, children, and grandchildren. He married Frederica R. Thomas in 1961. Jan and Fritzi have three children: Jelyn Rae Thomas, Albert Janney Thomas III (Sancy Thomas), and Heather Thomas Sorrells. In addition they have six grandchildren: Savannah Thomas Tomlinson (Taylor Tomlinson), Ruth Sorrells, Alison Thomas, Emma Sorrells, Lilly Thomas, and Sterling Thomas. He is preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and Albert Thomas, and his sister, Jesse Thomas Leyman. In addition to his wife, children, and grandchildren, Jan is survived by his hunting partner and brother, David W. Thomas (Patricia Thomas).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor be made to The First United Methodist Church, West Memphis, Arkansas; The Marion School District Foundation, Marion, Arkansas; or the Boy Scouts of America, Chickasaw Council, Memphis, Tennessee.
Visitation will be at the Danner Planting Company store in Clarkedale at 3961 E. Clarkedale Road, Turrell, Arkansas, on Monday, Dec. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. There will be a Celebration of Life Service at the Marion Performing Arts Center on Tuesday morning, December 28, at 11:00 a.m..
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42 Condolence(s)
Harry Hurst
Saturday, January 8, 2022
I recently learned of Jan's passing. I met Jelyn and Al in high school but I did not meet Jan until I started practicing. We often crossed paths many times over the last 30 years, but I never had a bad experience with him. He was an excellent bankruptcy attorney and trustee. He had a gruff, old-school demeanor which made him even more likeable. Jan never called me by my first name -- just like my high school football coach. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing, and may God's blessing be upon his family during this time.
Edna Seboly Tyler
Friday, December 31, 2021
I was so saddened to hear of Jan’s passing. We were classmates for many years in West Memphis and the graduating class of 1955. For many years, Jan headed up our five year class reunions. We all knew Jan had a busy life but he always remembered and enjoyed keeping the reunions going forward. My blessings, love and condolences to Jan’s family and friends.â¤ï¸
Teddy Adams
Wednesday, December 29, 2021
As a member of the class of 1955, Jan’s organizational skills kept the class in contact and with a number of reunions. He was a good friend. I will miss him.
T A Teddy Reb. Class of 55.
Rachael R Vaughn
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
My sincerest condolences to the family of Mr. Thomas. He was one of the most interesting people I have ever met. He was so easy to talk to about just about anything. I sincerely appreciate all he did for the Crittenden County Bar Association. He will be missed.
Melonie Osborne
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
Such sad news.
Jan was such a wonderful person. He will be sorely missed. Sending so many prayers to his lovely family.
Mike DeLoache
Tuesday, December 28, 2021
So sorry to hear about Jan. He was a great friend and colleague. He was an honorable and just man who will be greatly missed by many.
Amy Henderson, Linda Wells
Monday, December 27, 2021
Mr. Jan will be greatly missed, I was so glad to have known him! He was always cheerful and caring! Everywhere I saw him I saw his dog Scout! We are praying for his family!
Amy Henderson
Monday, December 27, 2021
Mr. Jan you will be greatly missed, I am thankful to have known you! Prayers for your family!
Melanie Spencer
Monday, December 27, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of Jan's passing. He was such a nice man and I am proud that I had the opportunity to know him through his position as a Bankruptcy Trustee. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with his family at this time.
Daryel Jackson
Monday, December 27, 2021
The Hearts of the Jackson's Family are with you. Jan was not like a treasure hard to find, he was a Gift, willing to serve. We share with you the warmest thoughts, and appreciation of a life given and well lived.
Michelle L. Baker
Monday, December 27, 2021
My heart was broken to hear of Jan's passing. He was a great man and could always make me laugh in at the courthouse no matter the day I was having. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time. Jan will be missed.
J and Sheila Southard
Monday, December 27, 2021
Sheila and I will be keeping the Thomas family in our thoughts and prayers.
Larry and Gerry Edrington
Monday, December 27, 2021
Thank you Mr. Thomas for helping us when we needed you. I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a great man.
Mary Toney
Sunday, December 26, 2021
The Lord bless and keep the Thomas family with comfort and peace as you go through this trying time.
Ben and Martha Southard
Saturday, December 25, 2021
All prayers for the family
Bob and Barbara Stokes
Saturday, December 25, 2021
We are so sorry for your loss and will be praying for you.
We admired Jan and have always respected your family.
May the God of all comfort bring you peace.
Cassandra B. Meyer
Friday, December 24, 2021
I know my grandmother Anna Marion, worked along side Mr. Thomas for many years. I remember going with her on many trips to his office in the legal field dealings. I always associated him the Perry Mason character, because of his legal knowledge
Ronald Coleman
Friday, December 24, 2021
It is with a sad heart that another one of our Class of ’55 has passed. Jan was instrumental in organizing our high school class reunions once every five years. No reunion in 2020 due to covid. Jan will be missed as a classmate and good friend.
Andy Luttrell
Friday, December 24, 2021
Jan was one of my mentors in life. Sherri and I are going to miss him so much. Prayers and blessings for Dave, Mrs. Fritzi and the entire family members. Love you all!
Sherri and Andy Luttrell
Bobby Belt
Friday, December 24, 2021
Thank you Jan for so many memories and the influence you had on so many lives including myself. You will be missed but never forgotten. The family is in my prayers.
David R. Ashley
Friday, December 24, 2021
Thank you for your friendship and good memories. You will be missed , my friend.
Jonathan Demuth
Friday, December 24, 2021
Mr. Thomas, was a great and genuine man. You never had to wonder where you stood with Mr. Thomas, because he would tell you what you needed to hear and not simply what you wanted to hear. He was a great attorney and when you earned his friendship it was lifelong. Mr. Thomas, had a passion for helping people as evidenced by his devotion to serving others throughout his life. I am grateful to have known Mr. Thomas and my prayers and condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. Mr. Thomas, will be greatly missed.
Delbert Pipkin
Thursday, December 23, 2021
I'm sadden for the loss of Jan But to know of the many contributions that he has made for the betterment of the community. And the many unknown benevolent gifts through his comintments to those who could not pay for his services
Will forever more remeberd
James Brogdon
Thursday, December 23, 2021
So sad to hear of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to the whole family.
God Bless,
The Brogdon Family
Amy (payne)Sisson
Thursday, December 23, 2021
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr Jan. My thought and prayers are with you as you adjust to a life without this him.
Steve Stevens
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Jan was well known and had credentials and friends not many men can say they have. I'm honored to be able to call Jan my friend. R.I.P my friend...
Sheila Jones
Thursday, December 23, 2021
So sorry to learn of Jan's passing. I had the pleasure of serving as Associate Pastor at FUMC West Memphis several years ago and enjoyed getting to know Jan. He was a fine man and will be missed. Praying for his family and friends.
Lanell Butler
Thursday, December 23, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. He has been an amazing part of our community for as long as I can remember.
Lanell Butler
Thursday, December 23, 2021
I'm so sorry for your loss. He has been an amazing part of our community for as long as I can remember.
Donna Palme
Thursday, December 23, 2021
A very good friend throughout the years. God bless each of you during this time.
Christi Blake
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Thank you Jan for everything you did for the Children of Marion Schools and for the members of First Methodist. My boys had many fun days swimming in your pool and riding in hayrides around your property. Over the years you took time our of your schedule to meet with numerous confirmands passing on your memories of FUMCWM. Your legacy will live on through your wonderful children and grand children. Rest in peace.
Doris Bridges
Thursday, December 23, 2021
Dear Dave, I am so sorry to hear of Jan's death. Jim thought the world of your entire family and loved working for the dealership and becoming friends with you. My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family at this sad time. I know you cherish all the memories you were able to share with your brother. Jan was such an inspiration to so many in this entire community and beyond. God Bless you all.
Joel and Janet Burgos
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Jan was a good friend and neighbor during my teenage years and the years we worked together on many improvement districts. Our prayers for the family during this time.
Ruth Hudson Rickard
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Such a great man. Praying for you all
Carolyn Watson
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Jan. Prayers to his family. Jan was a great person and good friend of my parents. A great loss for Crittenden County.
Dan and Judy Shepherd
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Jan and Fritzi and their beloved dachshunds entered our lives in 1995. As a first-time superintendent, I needed the strong and experienced assistance that Jan Thomas, board president, gave to me in the Marion School District. His leadership and friendship and expectations along with the experienced School Board helped our district helped so much in meeting many and varied challenges. Without question Marion School District has Jan's good mark on it. To Fritzi and family. Your husband/dad was a very focused, valuable and generous man. Judy and I will miss him. Blessings.
Louis & Angela Pirani
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
We simply adored Jan! Many prayers going up for the family and many friends of such a great man. He will definitely be missed.
Gary Harlow
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Jan was a great man, everything and more that was in the obit.. I'll forever remember Jan, from hunting with him, his trips to the hunting club in Star City with his scouts, coming by the Red Barn to collect used duck stamps, always coming, and buying, to our Local NWTF Dinners, to just sitting in his office telling stories.
To his family left behind, I pray for peace and tranquility in the days and years to come until we all meet again.
Gary Harlow, JoAnne Harlow and the rest of the family
Shirley Rudd
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
I'm so sorry to hear about Jan's passing. He will be missed by all who knew him. May God wrap his loving arms around his family during this time.
Shirley Rudd
Harriet Henry Morrow
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Mr. Thomas was always so friendly to me every time I saw him at school events or out around town. He had a genuine kindness and enthusiasm about him that I admired and appreciated. His loss will be felt by many. His contributions to our school and community are innumerable. My sincerest condolences to his sweet family.
Kay Bunch Ellis
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
To Jan's family...prayers for memories to fill your hearts. Working with Jan as he served on the board at Marion School District, I gained much respect for his dedication to make decisions that was in the best interest of the students, teachers, administration and support staff. He was a joy to know. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless.
Dentie and Becky Foyle
Wednesday, December 22, 2021
Jan was a good friend to my dad, Ernest Crawford and they went on some hunts together and loved working with Boy Scouts together. We attended church with Jan and used his legal services. He was always helpful and friendly. He will be greatly missed.