Thomas J. Thacker

Thomas J. Thacker went home to our Lord on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee at the age of 73 after a courageous battle with cancer. A devoted follower of Christ, Tom was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend whose presence will be profoundly missed.

Tom was born on January 7, 1953, to Barbara and Jay Thacker in Eureka, California. He was the youngest of their three children. From an early age, Tom’s passion was airplanes, which landed him his first job at Murray Field Airport in Eureka, CA where he swept floors, fueled small airplanes and helped the mechanics. Taking every opportunity to obtain flying hours, Tom completed his solo flight at 18 years of age. He worked as a flight instructor while attending college at Humbolt State University where he received a BA in Business Administration. Tom soon became an airline transport pilot, delivering mail and transporting medical emergencies. Seven years later he was hired as a pilot for World Airlines, a position that allowed him to travel the globe. Based out of San Francisco, Tom went on to fly for United Airlines, where he retired as Captain.

Much like his father, Tom was also a nautical enthusiast. He cherished sailing in between his flights, especially on the beautiful 37-foot sailboat that he kept docked in San Francisco Bay. He also loved sailing his 26-foot sailboat on Whiskeytown Lake in Redding, California, where he competed in several annual regattas. He patiently and graciously shared his sailing knowledge with his daughter, wife and several grandchildren, teaching them fundamental boating skills. His family loved hearing stories about his many flying and sailing adventures. Tom loved history and was an avid reader.

Affectionately known as “Grampa,” Tom’s love for his wife, children and grandchildren was matched only by his love of the Lord. A landmark for Tom was his baptism in the Pacific Ocean at Camp Pendelton in Oceanside, CA. This experience inspired him to become a leader in the “Man Up” men’s group at Oceanside Calvary Church, where he discipled men of all ages. After moving to Knoxville, TN, Tom most recently attended North Star Church. His unwavering faith guided his life with compassion, kindness and humor.

Tom is survived by his wife, Joanne; sister, Jeannie Evans (Bill); daughter, Tomi Eaton (Todd); son, Greg Mitchell (Michelle), and eleven grandchildren, Annabelle, William, Lylah, Skylar, Henry, Marianne, Eloise, Clover, Aidyn, Mishael and Rayn; brother in laws Don and Shane Havens; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Jay; mother, Barbara; brother, James (Shirley); daughter, Shannon Mitchell, and nephew Gary Havens.

A Celebration of Tom's Life will be held at Whispering Waters Pavilion, inside Berry Highland Memorial Cemetery on Monday, October 19, 2026 at 1pm. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at the funeral home for a reception celebrating Tom's life, sharing cherished memories and honoring the lasting impact he made on those who knew and loved him.