Christopher John Thomas

Christopher “Chris” John Thomas, son of the late Ellen C. Thomas and James R. Thomas, Sr. was born December 2, 1949 in Baltimore, Maryland and departed this life on September 30, 2016, Chris was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System, graduating from Baltimore City College in 1967. After completing High School, Chris enlisted in the United States Navy, January 1968—during the Vietnam War Era. While in the Navy, Chris completed Hospital Corps Training, at the Naval Medical Corp School, in Great Lakes, Illinois. In 1969, Chris transferred to the United States Marine Corps and was posted to Guam, from January- June 1969, serving as a Hospital Corpsman for wounded Vietnam Veterans, enabling him to use his Naval medical training. Chris completed his military service as a Marine in 1970. After serving his country, Chris returned to Baltimore and received an Associate’s Degree as a Physician’s Assistant, however; after beginning medical rounds, he decided it was not the career for him. Chris later worked, for over year as Correctional Officer in Jessup, MD -- again determining not what he wanted to do. Eventually, Chris found a job he loved, working for the City of Baltimore’s Community College (Liberty Campus) as a Groundskeeper, a job he fondly talked about for the rest of his life. Chris retired in 2005 from the City of Baltimore’s DPW Division, as a Sanitation Waste Technician. Since retiring, Chris spent the better part of his retired life, first as a companion, then as a caregiver for his beloved mother, Ellen, until her passing in 2015. Throughout his life Chis has been known for his long philosophical chats and his love of learning. It was these two passions that drove him to reading anything he could get his hands on, with a special liking for Encyclopedias. Due to this desire to continuously learn, Chris became very knowledgeable on a wide range of subjects. So, before there was “Google” there was “Ask Chris”. Chris leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Michelle Thomas; three brothers, James R. Thomas Jr, Jerome Thomas and Jeffrey Thomas; three sisters-in-law, four aunts, four nephews, two nieces and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Christopher John Thomas

December 2, 1949 - October 1, 2016