John H. Thomas
- Born
- Taylor, TX
- High School
- G.W. Jackson High School
- Colleges
- Prairie View A&M
- Coaching Record
- ?
- Titles
- 2 state
- PVILCA Inductee Class
- 1990
- Inductor
- Sport
John H. Thomas was born in Taylor, Texas in 1909. He moved at the age of eight to Corsicana, Texas where he received all of his schooling, graduating from G.W. Jackson High School as Valedictorian in 1929. He entered Prairie View A & M College where he was captain of the football team in 1931-1932 and President of the Junior Class. He received his B.S. degree in Mechanic Arts "With Distinction".
His lengthy athletic career began back in 1924 when playing "sandlot" football was a way of life for youngsters. He lettered in high school football in 1927 and 1928 and his team won the State Championship both years. And, of course, football played a very great part in John Thomas' college life at Prairie View.
After teaching six years at Jackson High in Corsicana, John Thomas moved to Corpus Christi and Solomon M. Coles High School in 1941. The Navy took him away from Corpus Christi in 1943, but at the end of the war he returned to Coles High School. During his tenure at Coles, the team went to the state championship four times (1947, 1948, 1952, 1960), winning first place two of the four times. After a year at Ray High School, Coach Thomas officially "retired" from coaching in 1970. He taught Mathematics and Industrial Arts at Coles Jr. High, South Park Jr. High, and Ray High School until 1975.
Coach Thomas has been active in the community as well. He is a 20-year member of the South Side Lion's Club and has been a member of St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church for 49 years. He is a Golden Heritage Life Member of the NAACP and has served on numerous boards and community organizations.
He and his wife Annie have a daughter, Phyllis Ann.