JR Thomas

Brian "JR" W. Thomas, Jr., 35, of Grafton, passed away on Thursday, June 9, 2011 in UMass Hospital. He is survived by his loving family, including his wife, Tania (Bishop) Thomas and their sons, Trey H. Thomas and Tyson B. Thomas, a step-son, Christopher R. Pearson and a step-daughter, Madison R. Pearson all at home in Grafton. He also leaves his father, Brian W. Thomas of Westborough; his grandmother, Dolores M. Thomas of Shrewsbury; his mother in law, Mary Bishop of Swampscott; his father in law Cameron Bishop and his wife Mary Hollingsworth of Millbury; his brother in law, Jonathan Bishop and his wife Christy and their children, Jacob and Mikenna of Portland, Oregon; his aunt, Tracie Waller and her husband David and their children, Nakiesha, Trenee (God-daughter) and Nicholas of Shrewsbury; many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Brian was predeceased by his loving mother, Karen T. (Tatum) Thomas and by his grandmother, Hazel Tatum. JR was born in Framingham, and lived many years in Shrewsbury before settling in Grafton. He graduated from Saint John's High School and The University of Maryland. Brian earned a Master's Degree in Education from Worcester State University. JR and his wife owned JR Thomas CrossFit in Shrewsbury. He had previously worked as a sports coach and Director of Health and Physical Education at Saint John's High School in Shrewsbury. He was a member of the CrossFit Community, The National Strength and Conditioning Association, The International Youth and Conditioning Association, Corridor Nine Chamber of Commerce and The University of Maryland Alumni Baseball Team. He was a former member of Mount Pleasant Country Club. There are no calling hours. A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 15, at 11 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery (section NN), Shrewsbury. Family and Friends are invited, immediately following the cemetery service, to a Celebration of Life Service at 12 Noon at Wachusett Country Club, 187 Prospect Street, West Boylston. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the JR Thomas Memorial Fund at Citizens Bank in care of Kathy Kennedy, 34 Main Street, Natick, MA 01760.