John Stephen Thoms, 64, of LaGrange Park, entered into eternal life on May 8, 2020. Beloved husband of Joan Middendorf Thoms, they shared 40 blissful years of marriage together as best friends. 

John was born on July 6, 1955 and lived most of his life in LaGrange Park, the fifth of nine siblings, with a happy childhood in a lively, loving home. He was blessed with a strong, intelligent, vibrant mother and a caring, industrious father. At the early age of 15 his dear father died suddenly and John never stopped missing him. His accomplished veteran dad was recognized as a hero and sparked John’s interest in WWII history. 

John graduated from St. Francis Xavier grade school, Lyons Township High School and University of Dayton. He was a proud Dayton Flyer and fondly remembered his years spent living in the UD “ghetto” and a part-time job at the campus radio station. 

John always knew what he wanted in life. He had a whirlwind courtship with Joan, dating for a romantic 36 days before he proposed. They had a brief engagement and forged a love that blossomed and grew each year.  His three children, Rachel, Emily, and Graham, were absolutely the delight and joy of his life.  Later, he shared a close bond with his son-in-law, Kevin, and was a playful, devoted grandfather to Emmet and Poppy. 

John was ambitious and a lifelong learner. He had a diverse career, working many years in Sears Tower, first in commercial foreign banking, then transitioning to Information Technology. His final working years were happily devoted to helping the Sisters of St. Joseph, wearing many hats. He had a mutual love and kinship with the Sisters.

John and Joan raised their own children across the street from his childhood home. On weekends he could be found in his happy place, his garage, maintaining cars or tackling a project to improve his old house. He loved winding down by grilling, and his smoked meats were a family favorite treat. 

John, widely known for his love and expertise of cars, shared that appreciation with his children. He taught each of them to drive manual transmission on his favorite, cherry red BMW. On a recent trip to Italy, he rented a vintage Fiat, tooling around the hills of Florence with his love, Joan.

Whether it was holidays or vacations, family tradition with his children and grandchildren was important to John. Some of the family’s most cherished times come from over 30 years of trips to Kangaroo Lake in Door County, Wisconsin. Those family traditions that were so important to John will provide happy memories that will keep his family smiling and laughing forever.

John fought and survived a six month battle with esophageal cancer, but then valiantly endured complications for another year, never losing hope for recovery. John and his family have been extremely touched by the outpouring of supportive calls, visits, cards, and prayers throughout his illness. 

John was predeceased by his parents George and Constance, and sister Lynn (the late Jean-Marc) Demontoy. John is survived by his wife, Joan; three children, Rachel (Kevin) Malone, Emily, and Graham; two grandchildren, Emmet and Poppy Malone; siblings, Barbara Thoms, Susan (Greg) Reed, Bill (Sue) Thoms, Sally Thoms, Peter Thoms, Jamie (Patty) Thoms, and Chris (Ann) Thoms. John had a genuine camaraderie with his father-in-law, Richard Middendorf, and a strong affection for his mother-in-law, the late Charlotte Middendorf. John was like a brother to all of his Middendorf in-laws, he loved being an uncle, and will be remembered lovingly by a large extended family and many dear friends.

Funeral service will be private. Donations to the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of La Grange Park, 1515 West Ogden Avenue, La Grange Park, IL 60256, will be gratefully appreciated.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hallowell & James Funeral Home, Countryside at 708-352-6500.