Michael George Thomas

Michael George Thomas (Mike) was born in Kingston, Jamaica to Ivy Russell and Lancelot Thomas on April 21, 1950. As a child, Mike was sent to live with his maternal grandparents in a small district called Dressikie in the parish of St. Mary, Jamaica. Grandmother Emma Ellis ("Mum”) played a pivotal role in Mike’s development. It was therefore very fitting for him to start his early education there.

In St. Mary, Mike attended Mount Angus Primary School. On his return to Kingston, he enrolled in Calabar All-Age School and upon completion of his primary education, he was eager to start working. Mike’s first job was as a shoemaker. His attitude and commitment to work defined his entire life.

Mike was successful in gaining employment with the Public Works Department in Kingston. He spent a number of years there before moving on to work as a driver with the Jamaica Omnibus Service (JOS).

Mike was always interested in defending & protecting his country. So, on the 23rd of March, 1969 Mike enlisted in the Jamaica Defense Force (IDF). No one was surprised at Mike’s decision as he had spent years trying to attain this goal following in the footsteps of two of his mother’s brothers. Family members have recounted stories of Mike donning the uniforms of his uncles Noel and Ivan. Uncle Noel was a soldier and Uncle Ivan, a policeman. He would then stand on duty on the avenue waving his hands in the air as if directing traffic. Motorists would even slow down when they spotted the “officer” ! After spending almost 11 years as a member of the JDF, Mike was consumed by a strong desire to migrate. He was ready to start another chapter in his life.

This desire led Mike to emigrate to Miami, Florida in 1982 He soon enrolled in Lindsay Hopkins Technical School where he gained his GED.

This allowed Mike to gain entry-level employment at Winn-Dixie where he spent over 25 years and rose to the position of Seafood Manager. While working at Winn-Dixie during the daytime, Mike worked as a security guard at night with various companies, including Carnival Cruise Lines. In 1992, Mike visited Jamaica to attend his friend’s wedding where he was one of the groomsmen. His walk-in bridesmaid for the wedding was Elaine

Sibblies. Who would have thought that an ordinary walk down the aisle as bridesmaid and groomsman would lead to Mike and Elaine falling in love, and one year later getting married? During the course of their 29 years of marriage, Mike took Elaine on a total of 13 cruises all over the Caribbean region and a number of vacationS to various places, including England, Canada, and Jamaica. Now that is a love story!

Mike was always determined to re-enter the transportation business. In pursuit of that goal, he obtained his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and eventually resigned from Winn-Dixie. He then went to work for Alamo Rent-a-car Service, and later Keolis Transit America as a bus driver. Being a people person, Mike had a passion for this job. His route took passengers to and from the Fort Lauderdale Airport {FLL), This enabled him to interact with local and international passengers on a daily basis. On his retirement from the transportation business, Mike relocated to Palm Bay in April, 2021 with his devoted wife, Elaine (Eda). Never one to sit still, Mike applied for and got a job as a school crossing guard with Brevard County School District. It was while working with the school district that he became ill. After a brief illness, Mike transitioned peacefully at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay on Friday, February 3/ 2023.

Mike was grounded in his faith. He was a member and usher at the ChristWay Baptist Church in Miramar. It is noteworthy to mention that when Mike relocated to Palm Bay, he was anxious to find a church home. He found this at Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church - a clear indication of how important his faith was to him.

Michael (Mike) Thomas will be dearly missed by his beloved wife, Eda Thomas, two children Kerry-Ann (USA) & MarIon (JA), two step-children Karen (Ted - son-in-law) & Elton (USA), five grandchildren, six brothers: Raymond (USA), Glendon, Morris, Barrington/Tony, Wayne/ Easton/Keith (JA); four sisters: Juliet/Queenie (Canada), Beverley/Patsy (UK)/ Janice/Joan (FL), & Dawn (JA); and a special cousin Errol Russell of Plantation, Florida, who is more of a brother. He also leaves to mourn the passing Aunt Devanie and Uncle-in-law, Uncle Al (USA)/ Uncle Victor & Aunt-in-law Lucille (iA) numerous nieces & nephews/ other relatives/ friends and ex-servicemen of the JDF. May his soul rest in peace and light perpetual shine upon him!

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