Jess Mcallister Thomas

Jess McAllister Thomas, 91, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, returned to our Heavenly Parents and deceased family members on August 4, 2024.

He was born July 30, 1933, in Malad, Idaho, the fifth and youngest child of Daniel Williams Thomas and Anna Mae McAllister. He attended grade school through high school in Malad and later received a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Utah State University (USU). But his greatest achievement was his family: He married (Jeralyn) Diane Harrison on September 24, 1954, and together they welcomed six children. On August 28, 1957, Jess and Diane were sealed for time and all eternity in the Idaho Falls temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over time their family grew to include 25 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.They had been married 42 years when Diane was tragically killed in a car accident on October 17, 1996.

On November 17, 2007, Jess married Arlene Rae Jones, who won not only his heart but the hearts of his family. After nearly 14 joyful years of marriage, Arlene passed away on August 12, 2021.

Jess grew up on the family farm and ranch in Malad, where he developed a strong work ethic, an appreciation for family, and a lifelong fondness for the animals he raised. He was employed for several years by the Department of Energy or one of its contractors at the reactor-testing site in Arco, Idaho, while living in Idaho Falls and Ammon. Tiring of the constant threat of layoffs, Jess decided to work toward a college degree at Idaho State University. This was a major sacrifice as well as achievement for him and his growing family. While going to school, he took on all types of jobs from custodial duties for the LDS seminary building to driving school buses. Eventually, the family moved to Hyrum, Utah, so Jess could finish his degree at USU. He became the first in his family to graduate from college. He was hired as an accountant for Bear River Association of Governments (BRAG) in downtown Logan, where he worked for 23 years.

Family was Jess’ greatest joy in life. Though busy with school and work, he always made time to be with his sweetheart Diane and to support their children’s various activities at church, in sports and on stage. He loved playing with his children and encouraged them in their many pursuits.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many church roles and responsibilities, including serving in a young single adult ward bishopric. He would often think deeply about things pertaining to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Faith was his compass. Along with Diane, he helped his children develop a strong spiritual foundation that has guided them and their own families’ lives.

Jess exhibited loyalty and respect to everyone he met. He was quick to defend the helpless or less fortunate and always eager to help out. He enjoyed serving others and helped with Cache County’s Meals on Wheels program for several years.

Jess’ love of old western movies aligned with his acute sense of right and wrong. His physical strength was admired by many and appreciated when it came to farm work. One of his passions was the game of chess. He gained some notoriety among co-workers for his chess prowess after winning a major tournament set up by one of his employers, Aerojet.

Jess is preceded in death by his parents and his four siblings: Theda Eleanor (Merlin) Hughes, Daniel Neal (Lillian) Thomas, Anna LaRue (Max) Johnson, and Ila Mae (Dean) Smith. He is survived by his children: Bryan J. (Rebecca) Thomas, Brad L. (Eileen) Thomas, Jonathan D. (Colleen) Thomas, Lori A. Fackrell, Celia L. (Ryan) Parham and Jeremy S. (Megan) Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 10, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 455 East 100 South in Hyrum. A viewing at the church will precede the funeral from 9:30-10:45 a.m.

Cache Valley Mortuary is providing funeral arrangements. We encourage all who knew Jess and his family to visit www.cvmortuary.com to sign in and comment.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH FUNERAL LIVESTREAM