Jeremiah Thomas Jr. was born on May 26, 1952 in Bakersfield, CA. Jeremiah was the second child born to Jeremiah Thomas, Sr. and Mary “Bessie” Hannah Thomas. He attended local schools and graduated from Bakersfield High School in 1970.
Jeremiah accepted Christ at an early age. He loved to praise the Lord and study the word of God. He often wrote poems completely from scripture and read them aloud on program at church. He last attended God’s Covenant Church of Christ, where he was a member under the leadership of Pastor, Ted Jenkins.
Jeremiah enlisted in the armed forces in November of 1971. He joined the United States Army to achieve his dream of traveling the world. He toured Korea, and his specialty was radio technician and marksman. He attended all available classes and seminars in his field. He was an outstanding role model and mentor for his contemporaries and juniors. After receiving his honorable discharge, he returned to Bakersfield, CA.
Jeremiah continued his education attending night school while working as an apprentice carpenter, installer and laborer. He subsequently became a journeyman carpenter in the carpenter’s local union #743. He was very proud of his work. He would often point out the various housing communities and highways that he worked on and helped build throughout Bakersfield. He was especially proud that he was part of the crew to expand the San Diego Jack Murphy Stadium in 1983-1984. In addition to utilizing his carpentry skills to provide for his family, he also made use of his skills as the family “handyman”.
On October 28, 1970 Jeremiah and Patricia Cherry welcomed a son, Tracy D. Thomas. On September 11, 1977 Jeremiah was united in marriage to Cathy Level-Thomas. To this union, three children were born; Jeremiah III, Shanetra and Candace Thomas.
Jeremiah loved spending time with his family, especially his children. To his nieces and nephews, he was known affectionally as “Uncle Myo.” Jeremiah loved family events where he could show off his “skills” on the barbeque grill. He used to refer to himself as a “BBQologist.”
Jeremiah was the life of every party. He had an infectious smile. He enjoyed meeting new people and hanging out with friends. He was a loving and compassionate man who was always ready to help others. He was an avid football fan and loved the San Diego Chargers. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Jeremiah is preceded in death by his parents, and his beloved firstborn son, Tracy.
Jeremiah leaves to cherish his precious memory; a son, Jeremiah Thomas, III; two daughters, Shanetra Battle (Pastor Sean Battle), and Candace Thomas (all of Bakersfield); Six siblings: Cynthia Davis (Eddie); Moreno Valley, CA. Gilbert Thomas (Barbara); San Diego, CA. Frankie Anita Thomas Richardson; San Diego, CA. Priscilla Shaw; Avondale, AZ; Arethia “Rita” Floore; Forney, TX and Maurice DeGraffenreid; Fortworth, TX. Eleven grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends