Arthur Edgar Thomas

October 21, 1942 – June 15, 2025

Arthur “Art” Thomas, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 15, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the age of 82.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 21, 1942, Art was a longtime resident of Neptune Beach and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. He proudly served his country as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy, stationed aboard the USS Essex. Following his military service, he started his career in retail. He dedicated over half his professional life to the Navy Exchange System, where he retired as District Manager for the Southeast and Caribbean.

Art was a proud graduate of Tulane University, where he met the love of his life, Jolna. Their marriage of 58 years was a testament to enduring love and partnership. It was in New Orleans that Art also discovered his passion for Cajun cooking—a love he carried with him throughout his life.

A man of many talents and interests, Art was an avid reader, enthusiastic cook, meticulous model ship builder, strategic chess player, lover of travel and a devoted fan of classical music. Above all, he was a family man who cherished his family. He and Jolna recently moved into Cypress Village retirement community where he made an impact on his weekly trivia team.

He is survived by his wife, Jolna; daughters, Anne McKennon and Jennifer Sherwood; sons-in-law, Rob and Michael; grandchildren, Emerson and Sarah; and brother-in-law George Lopes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louise and Tom Donofrio, and siblings, Geri Lopes, Howard Thomas and Jay Thomas.

A modest celebration of Art’s life will be held on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 11:00 AM at the Cypress Village retirement community in Jacksonville, Florida. Family and friends are welcome to gather in remembrance of a life well lived and deeply loved.