Jan Paul Thomas

Jan Paul Thomas, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, friend, grandpa, “Papa Jam,” and The Colonel peacefully left this earthly life to return to his heavenly home on April 8, 2021. Jan was born in Pocatello, Idaho, on Christmas Day, December 25, 1945, to E. Con and Persis Farr Thomas. He was raised in Arimo, Idaho, the oldest of 3 children and the only son.

Jan graduated from Marsh Valley High School in 1964 and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Utah State University in 1968.

On June 14, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Karen Bailey, in the Idaho Falls Temple. Shortly after marriage, he began working for the Army Audit Agency before joining the United States Marine Corps. Jan spent 31 years in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, including time on active duty during the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm. He rose to the rank of Colonel, with various duty assignments, including Supply and Artillery Officer and Casualty Assistance Calls Officer.

In 1974, Jan began working for Air Force Audit Agency in Spokane, WA, which eventually led him to accept a job in Utah at Hill Air Force Base, where he worked until retirement in 2003.

Jan’s love of God and country ran deep. He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served diligently in many callings throughout his life. In his later years, Jan put his auditor skills to good use by linking families through genealogy work. If there was ever a mistake or a piece missing, Jan could find and fix it. He skillfully connected the family bridge between life here on Earth to those anxiously awaiting on the other side.

Jan loved the great outdoors and found peace and solitude in the mountains hiking, hunting, skiing, rock climbing, camping, and backpacking.

He had a passion for Scouting and had many years of dedicated service in the program. He earned numerous awards and was presented the Silver Beaver Award for distinguished service.

Jan exemplified a life of giving and championing the underdog. Due to an unfortunate accident, Jan had to learn how to accept and truly enjoy receiving loving service from others. He learned how to put life in balance and left this life a remarkable man.

Jan had a beautiful concept of family, some of which were blood and some that were gathered along the way. From aids and therapists to friends and neighbors, each one of you was instrumental in his healing and held a special place in his heart. We would like to sincerely thank all those who have lovingly dedicated themselves to his care for the past 15 years. Your kindness and generosity did not go unnoticed, and you will never know how much it has meant to our family.

Jan is survived by his eternal companion of 52 years, Karen, his children Shane (Mindy) Thomas, Dayna (Conor) Carroll, Malia (Bo) Roundy, and his 11 grandchildren: Dawson, Elizabeth, Tayden, Brecklyn, Ryker, Mikell, Kormyck, Ty, Hazel, Olive, and Chloa. He is also survived by his sisters Joan (Brett) Sayer and Jean Thomas. He is preceded in death by his son Brandon Thomas, niece Janie Sayer, and dear friend Gary Bartholomeusz.

A viewing for friends and family will be held Thursday, April 15, 2021, between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah. Funeral services for anyone who can attend will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, April 16, 2021, at the Kaysville East Stake Center, 201 South 600 East, Kaysville, Utah. There will not be a viewing prior to services on Friday morning. Interment will be at the Arimo City Cemetery in Arimo, Idaho, at 1:30 pm.

The funeral will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary an Crematory Facebook page at the following link https://www.facebook.com/Russon-Mortuary-Crematory-105412734572327/ and via webcast at the following link https://t.ly/JanThomasFuneral for those unable to attend the funeral services in person.

Semper Fi!

In lieu of flowers, please consider performing a kind act of service for someone in need or donating to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to help find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes for two of Jan’s granddaughters. www.jdrf.org.