Thomas "BoBo" Jake High

GT. Thomas Jake High, also known as “TJ” and “Bo-Bo,” coined by Taylor Clark, was born on August 10, 1947, to the late Thomas Peter High and Agnes Easter High in Skippers, Virginia. As a child, Thomas attended Jerusalem Baptist in Emporia, Virginia. In 1966, THOMAS graduated from Gumberry High School, North Carolina.

In 1969, THOMAS married his High School Sweetheart, Nathelia Williams, in Emporia, Virginia. One daughter, Patrice Antoinette, was born from that union. They spent 57 years together and celebrated 54 years of marriage on February 27, 2024, prior to Nathelia’s passing.

In June 1967, THOMAS enlisted in the United States Army, proudly serving his country. He was deployed to battle in the Vietnam War, he was wounded and Honorably Discharged, in June 1973. During his Service to the U.S. Army, THOMAS was decorated with the following: Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service Medal; RIFLE: Marksman; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; VN Counteroffense Ph IV; and a Purple Heart. Thomas later joined his family in Washington, DC, and gained employment at the illustrious Howard University as a Library Technician and was promoted to Librarian at the Health Sciences Library on Howard’s campus. He retired after 42 years with the University.

Upon retirement, THOMAS assisted his wife managing a private-in-home day care center. THOMAS collected die-cast metal cars, enjoyed gardening, cross­word and jigsaw puzzles, billiards, playing cards with his friends (John, Sr., James, Ted, and David), playing basketball, watching sports (NFL, NBA, WNBA, and the MLB). He took pride in caring for his wife during her lengthy illness.

In addition to his parents, THOMAS was predeceased by his Wife Nathelia, Brothers, Robert, Russell, Arthur; Sisters, Juanita, Shirley, Louise, and Delores. He leaves to cherish his memories, Son, Marcus; Daughter, Patrice Antoinette (Walter); Grandchildren, Diamond (Marquis) and Jamir; Great-Grandchildren, Liam, Leia, and Luke; Brother, Willie (Rosa); Sister, Carolyn; Goddaughter’s, Randi (Reggie) and Myah; and a host of Cousins, Nieces, Nephews, Bonus Grandchildren (Christopher, Taylor, Debra, and Makenzie), and Friends.

THOMAS leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, positive life lessons, and strength.

Visitation will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on May 23, 2026, at 9:30 am, followed by a Celebration of Life at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home at 10:30 am.

Committal will take place at Fort Lincoln Cemetery, 3401 BLADENSBURG RD, BRENTWOOD, MD 20722, US, on May 23, 2026, at 12:00 pm.