Obituary

Gerard William (Jackson) Thomas was born on October 3, 1940 in Detroit, MI to Rose (Madison) Jackson and Gerard William Jackson, Sr. His grandmother Lucy raised him from ages one to four years. His mother married John Thomas when Gerard was four years old, who adopted him. He was called "Jack" by his family because he was born Gerard William Jackson, Jr. His mother last married Willie Austin, who was his beloved stepfather from age nine through 2009 upon Willie's death.

Gerard was educated in the catholic and public Detroit school systems. Upon high school graduation, he earned a baseball scholarship to the University of Detroit. He later played professional minor league baseball.

In 1962, he and his parents moved to Los Angeles. Soon after he was drafted into the Vietnam War in 1963 and he chose the U. S. Navy. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1965. After navy service, Gerard attended Pepperdine University where he graduated with a B.A. degree in Accounting.

In 1967, Gerard was introduced to his future wife Beverly by his best friend and Navy buddy, Exel Carr, who was going with Beverly's best friend Jennifer. Gerard and Beverly married in 1970. To this union was born a son, Damon, in 1971; twin daughters, Kimberly and Karyn in 1974. Gerard was a very loving husband and a very loving father. He was a true family man who cherished his family.

Gerard received Christ in 1986 at Fellowship West in Arrowhead Springs, which was a Christian Outreach Ministry through Campus Crusade for Christ. He then was baptized at New Life Baptist Church along with his children.

Gerard was a very agreeable and pleasant personality, who enjoyed all kinds of people. He was an only child so enjoyed the company of others. He especially loved children who gave him much joy! Most called him "Gerry" and loved his Gerry Burgers, Ribs and Christmas cookies. He was also a Little League Baseball coach for fifteen years, coaching his son, his nephew and neighbors.

Gerard moved to San Diego in 1979 and has been a 43-year resident. The job he loved the most was with San Diego County Sheriff, where he was the in-house auditor, under Sheriff Bill Kolender.

His main aspirations were to raise a happy family and to educate his children. As Treasurer of the Trustee Board, his last aspiration was to get the financial books in order at Mesa View Baptist Church so the church could pass an outside professional audit to qualify for a bank loan to purchase a church home. It gave him great joy to know he had helped in this achievement. He was also a Trustee at Linda Vista Second Baptist Church, served as a primary Sunday School teacher for the boys, he sang in the Men's Chorus and attended the Saturday morning Men's Bible Study.

In his last years, he looked forward to his Denny's breakfasts with Deacon Jefferson. But, the greatest joy of all was visits with his favorite grandchild, Lydia. She and Papa T were a special twosome; He was more like a Father to her!

After a lengthy illness and kidney dialysis of 25 years, the Lord knew that His child was tired, weary and worn and called him home to eternal rest and joy forevermore on November 7, 2021. The family bows in humble submission to God's Will, knowing He's the all-wise God who never makes a mistake.

Gerard William Thomas is survived by his loving wife Beverly of fifty-one years, San Diego, CA; son, Damon Thomas of Los Angeles, CA; twin daughters, Kimberly and Karyn Thomas or Redlands, CA; granddaughters, LeCresha and Janelle Thomas and Lydia Jones of Redlands, CA; sister-in-law, Barbara Pointer of Los Angeles, CA; brother-in-laws, Michael Wade and Benjamin Wade (Karen) of Los Angeles, CA; special friends, Dec. A.M. Jefferson, Jr. and Martha Jefferson; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.