John C. Thomas, age 72, died peacefully on Saturday, November 26, 2022 surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 19, 1950 in Royal Oak, the son of Robert and Yolande (Guest) Thomas. John graduated from Dondero High School in Royal Oak, MI in 1968. He attended Northern Michigan University where he received his bachelors degree in 1973. While attending the university, he met the love of his life, Patricia Cuthill; they married August 25, 1973 in Inkster, MI. They moved to Big Rapids in 1974 where they raised their three children. John enjoyed being active in his childrens lives, coaching his sons in hockey for B.R.A.J.H.A for 12 years, and coaching his daughters soccer team for two years. John had a love for hockey since boyhood and played until he was 65 years old with the Big Rapids Mens Hockey League. He downhill skied for many years and founded the Ya-Hoo-Eh Ski Club. John was on the Big Rapids Public School Board for nine years as treasurer, and an active member of the Home Builders Association, where he ran the scholarship committee. He started John Thomas Carpentry in 1974 where he built custom homes (including 7 for his immediate family alone) and remodeled houses throughout the Big Rapids area for 45 years. Even as busy as he was, he still found time for Curries Coffee and Donut Club, bowling league, golf league, and mens softball league. In 2019, John and Pat moved to Interlochen full time where he was a treasurer for the Green Lake Association. John had a passion for sailing and a love of all kinds of music. Later in life, he learned how to play the mandolin and enjoyed playing music with his siblings. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and passing on as much of his knowledge as he could. "John was the worlds best encourager and builder-upper and he never missed an opportunity to show up and tell you how proud he was of those he cared about." His laughter, smile and love will be missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia of Interlochen; children, Ian (Heidie) Thomas of Reed City, Stephen (Katie) Thomas of Big Rapids, Meghan (Eric) Saum of Interlochen; siblings, Matt (Chris) Thomas, Gregory (Eva Lebovic) Thomas, Michael (Derri) Thomas, Kathleen (David) Sutton; eight grandchildren, Cooper(#1), Carson(#2), Abby(#3), Gracie(#4), Cass(#5), Hunter(#6), Cauley(#7), Hallie(#8); many nieces and nephews. John was preceded in death by his parents; many aunts and uncles. Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 2, 2022 at Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Visitation will be held Thursday, December 1, 2022 from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home and an hour prior to the funeral service. Memorial contributions may be made in Johns name to Our Brothers Keeper Shelter, 405 S. 3rd Street, Big Rapids, MI 49307. Share a memory, photo, or leave a condolence for the family at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com Visitation Thursday, December 1, 2022 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307 Visitation Friday, December 2, 2022 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,Michigan 49307 Funeral Service Friday, December 2, 2022 11:00 AM Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home 13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids,MI 49307