Jay R. Thomas

Jay Thomas led an extraordinary life—fun, hard-working, loving, and spontaneous. Sadly, he left us too soon, but he packed in a lifetime of love, adventure, and joy.

From a young age, Jay embraced hard work, growing up on a dairy and rising early to seize every day. That work ethic and zest for life stayed with him always. As an adult, he spent his career behind the steering wheel of a big truck, proudly delivering medical gases to hospitals, businesses and healthcare facilities across the region. He was known for his dedication, strong work ethic, sense of humor and commitment to the job.

After long days at work, Jay pursued many passions. He loved fishing, boating, fast cars, motorcycles, and cheering on his favorite teams: the San Francisco 49ers, the Oakland A’s, the Sacramento Kings, and the Golden State Warriors. On rare occasions—and only under pressure —he would cheer for the San Francisco Giants, just to make us smile.

Jay loved music, gardening, the mountains, the ocean and being with family and friends. Jay loved classic cars, rump rump engines, motorcycles, tools, and adventure.

At age 18, he purchased his cherished 1965 El Camino—which he affectionately named “Miss Ellie”—which still lives on today. He was often a proud participant in the American Graffiti Cruise in Modesto, driving Miss Ellie up and down McHenry Avenue with flair, pride and joy.

Nature was his playground. He loved the mountains, the oceans, and everything in between. He loved to travel, especially to the Pacific Northwest, where adventure awaited at every turn. Always a "helper", when the snow fell, he would shovel a path not only to the family cabin but to his neighbors’ doors as well. At home, he was constantly tinkering in the yard or garage, often seen blowing leaves for the entire block—just because he cared.

A phenomenal guitarist and singer, Jay would bring the house down with a Merle Haggard tune, then switch effortlessly to an Elvis Presley medley. His love for music was infectious, and he beamed with pride when he bought his young son his first guitar, later sharing beautiful moments playing together. Because of his love for music, he supported the Gallo Center for the Arts from its first day of construction through countless amazing performances, celebrating each event with enthusiasm. And man—he could dance!

With a great sense of humor, he would often decline second helpings at dinner joking “I need watch my girly figure,” all while flashing that unforgettable grin. He was the kind of man who made everyone feel like someone. Everyone loved Jay—because Jay loved life. He was one of a kind. Unforgettable.

Many “Jayism’s” live on today, such as “Good Grief!”, “I’m watching my girly figure!”, “Yeah!”, “Lets Go Niners!” , “Get off your horse and drink your milk” (John Wayne), “Get to the Chopper!”, “Hasta La Vista Baby”, “I’ll Be Back!” (Arnold Schwarzenegger), “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” (Waylon Jennings), “ You Never Know, You Know”, and so many more! He could saunter like John Wayne and say “Whoa, take er easy there, pilgrim”, and you would think you were in the movies.

We are certain Toby Keith wrote and performed the song “I Should’ve Been a Cowboy” just for him. Yes, he should have been a cowboy.

As the song goes:

“I bet you’ve never heard ol’ Marshal Dillon say, Miss Kitty, have you ever thought of running away? I might have had a sidekick with a funny name, running wild through the hills, chasing Jesse James, ending up on the brink of danger, riding shotgun for the Texas Rangers, go west young man, haven’t you been told? I should’ve learned to rope and ride, wearing my six-shooter, ridin’ my pony on a cattle drive, sleepin’ out all night beneath the desert stars, singing those campfire songs, whoa, I should’ve been a cowboy.”

Westerns were another love: John Wayne, Sam Elliott, Roy Rogers, Clint Eastwood, Gary Cooper, James Stewart, all starring in Jay’s favorite movies! A few years back for his birthday we took him to see the remake of The Magnificent Seven and no one else was in the theater but the three of us, so we jokingly told Jay we rented the entire theater just for him and his cowboy heroes! Of course, on the small screen, Gunsmoke, The Rifleman, Bonanza, Walker Texas Ranger, the Virginian, and in later years, Yellowstone and 1883 were favorites.

Without a doubt, Halloween was his favorite holiday! He thought we should all take the day off to decorate and get our costumes ready. He was famous for terrorizing the neighborhood with his Planet of the Apes mask. He dressed in so many different disguises over the years and enjoyed Halloween so much! Jay’s true fun character came out on Halloween to the delight and terror of many!

Jay was born in the fall of 1957 and lived his entire life in Stanislaus County. He coached youth, baseball, played music, restored and preserved classic cars, supported numerous nonprofits, and so much more. He was devoted to the Gallo Center for the Arts, the Modesto Children’s Museum and Camp Taylor.

Whether riding his Harley, fishing, driving a big truck, playing his guitar, being Elvis, rooting for the Oakland A’s and the San Francisco 49ers, shoveling snow, BBQing, driving his 65 El Camino, enjoying his chocolate chip cookies and milk, loving his In and Out cheeseburgers, fries and a coke and most importantly, being dad, Jay had a life well lived.

An unknown author once said: “In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”

Jay is lovingly survived by his dear wife, his cherished son, his sisters, nephews, family, cousins, and goddaughters. He also leaves behind many dear friends and neighbors who were like family to him — companions whose love and loyalty enriched our lives.

Internment Is private. In Lieu of Flowers and in memory of Jay, please consider making a charitable donation to:

Camp Taylor: A nonprofit organization, dedicated to children with heart disease and their families. 8224 West Grayson Rd., Modesto, CA, 95358.

St. Luke’s Family Practice: A nonprofit primary care medical practice dedicated to excellent patient care, 1700 McHenry Village Way, Suite 2, Modesto, CA 95350.