Obituary of John Thomas

John Thomas IV, 60, of Millville, NJ, passed away on March 26, 2025, at Inspira Medical Center Vineland, surrounded by his children after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. John "ChooChoo" Thomas, also known as "JT" to his friends, was born in Riverhead, New York, on October 30, 1964. He is preceded in death by his parents, John W. Thomas III, Gulsen Taskin, Kathleen Thomas, and survived by Margretta Harris. He attended Arthur P. Schalick High School, where he participated in basketball and track and field. In 1983, he graduated with a certificate in Commercial Foods from Salem County Vo-Tech, placing third in the V.I.C.A. competition, now known as SkillsUSA. He worked as a professional chef and kitchen manager for over 40 years at some of the most popular spots in South Jersey, most notably Neptune Restaurant. During his spare time, he was fond of catering private events and parties for his friends and family. He was also employed at South Woods State Prison as a chef instructor and won various culinary competitions. In addition to cooking, John was a gifted artist who loved drawing and painting. He enjoyed lifting weights, working on cars, fishing, a cold beer, and collecting watches, coins, and Playboy magazines. John is survived by his significant other, Staci Lillia; five children, Katrina M. Cotto, Jessica M. Hannah (Blake), John A. Thomas, Mya J. Thomas (and her mother, former spouse Tracy), and Ian B. Hughes; five siblings, Julia Jones (Richard), Kim McCoy (Keith), Chouncee Foxx, Ryan J. Thomas (LaQuisha), and TaMarc J. Thomas (Tabitha); three grandchildren; 15 nieces and nephews; and one great-nephew. Friends and family are invited to celebrate John's life on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at DeMarco-Luisi Funeral Home, 2755 S Lincoln Ave, Vineland, NJ. The viewing will be held from 6:00pm until 7:00pm, followed by services at 7:00pm. Interment will be held privately.