Jerry Lee Thomas

Jerry Lee Thomas, 85, of Littleton, Colorado passed away at his home on September 17, 2023.  Born on August 7, 1938, Durango Colorado, he was the last of 11 children (all predeceased).  Jerry lived a full life, and touched many lives along the way with kindness and humor.  

Jerry grew up in Leadville Colorado, and briefly worked as a local sportswriter before joining his father in the mines.  Seeking a different life, he joined the United States Navy in the late 1950s, proudly serving on the Naval destroyer, USS Haverfield DER, stationed in Guam.  Jerry also spent time at the naval base in Chicago, where he met his wife and partner of 50 years, Helen (predeceased).  

After leaving the Navy in 1962, Jerry and Helen set down roots in Littleton and established a rich life full of family and friends.  Jerry quickly embraced an active legacy of community involvement. He held various leadership positions in the YMCA Men’s club, the Sertoma Club, the Friends of the Library, the Littleton Museum, the Western Welcome parade, and the annual community play “Fiasco.”  In the 1970s he formed the Resurrection Dixieland Jazz band.  The band developed such a loyal following that they were selected to play for the United States Vice President in the 1980s.  In retirement, Jerry earned an MBA from CU Boulder, and proudly joined the marketing faculty at Arapahoe Community College, where he ultimately earned emeritus status.  Jerry was a die-hard Broncos and Rockies fan, attending many home games, and never losing hope that better days lie ahead. 

Jerry is survived by his beloved daughters Niki and Becky, and son Ric, and their spouses, Scott, Kent, and Lisa.  He will also be missed by his grandkids Michael, Sami, Jennifer (husband Cory), Geoff, Calvin and Ava as well as three great-grandchildren (Mira, Cade and Kaia) and his loyal dog Lacey.  Jerry was touched by love from kind friends, including Tony and Betty Wilcox, who visited and checked on him, especially during Bronco games.

Jerry’s life was full and enriched by the love he had for his family and for his many friends.  His optimism, humor, and warmth and his appreciation for the simple things in life -- a sunset, a hummingbird, a happy dog -- left an infectious impression on all he met.  

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 1, at Shift Workspaces, 2679 Main St., Littleton from 11-2 p.m.  For those attending, please wear your Bronco attire, as we will have the Bears-Broncos game on in the background. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Tunnels to Tower Foundation - www.t2t.org in Jerry’s name, a foundation which helps to provide homes for Gold-Star veteran and fallen first-responder families.

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