Jason I. Thomas

Jason Thomas, 58, passed away on May 12, 2026, from complications related to throat cancer. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, and friend who will be sorely missed.

Jason was born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, on December 14, 1967. He excelled at baseball and cross country in high school; he attended East Grand Rapids High School and graduated from Ottawa Hills High School. Jason also attended both Grand Rapids Community College and Grand Valley State University. Jason was a longtime professional server at various area restaurants and country clubs, most recently at Cascade Hills Country Club. 

Jason was an avid sports fan, but baseball and the Detroit Tigers were his favorite. He was also a Detroit Lions and Notre Dame fan, and was part of the Old School fantasy football league for over 30 years. Jason enjoyed playing trivia and spending time with friends at Bob’s Bar in Grand Rapids. Family, friends, his cats, chess, sushi at Maru, Jimmy Page, downtown sunsets, a nice fire in the fireplace, epic water balloon fights with his niece - these were some of the things he loved. He will especially be remembered for his kindness to others, his humor, and his ever-present baseball cap.

Jason is survived by his mother, Carol Greenburg; his brother Tad Smedes and wife Sarah; his sister Wendy Smedes and husband Matt; his nieces Melissa, Emma, Abby, and Becca, and nephew Luke; his uncle Tom Greenburg and wife Sam; and his dear friend “Coach” Larry Dugan, who was like a father to him.

A Celebration of Life event will be held on July 20, 2026, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 47 Jefferson Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Jason’s family invites all who knew him to come and share your memories of him, and to wear your Detroit Tigers gear or that of your favorite sports team.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Jason’s memory to the Whitecaps Community Foundation. Donations can be mailed to 4500 W. River Dr. NE Box 428 Comstock Park, MI 49321.

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