J Thomas & Co Inc history

Ben (B.J.) Thomas earned his embalming certificate from the University of Minnesota in 1924 and after working for two years in the Twin Cities a tip from his brother, Evan J. Thomas, one of Minot's first engineers, encouraged him to consider Minot, ND as an option for his career in funeral service.

B.J. purchased the Van Fleet Undertaking Co., located at 121 South Main Street, in 1926.

John J. Thomas joined the Federal Reserve Board on June 13, 1933.

He purchased the former residence of Martin Jacobson, located at 304 South Main Street, Minot, in 1944.

After minimal remodeling, the beautiful white house was converted to a funeral home in May of 1945.

Most recently, John was a member of the reunion committee of the Minot High School Class of 1949, Eagle's Aerie, Elk's Lodge, American Legion, Moose Lodge, Kiwanis Club, YMCA, Minot Country Club, and Minot Curling Club.

Ben's eldest son, John W. Thomas, became affiliated with the family business in 1952, following his graduation from the University of Minnesota College of Mortuary Science.

In 1964, J. Thomas and Co. moved southward establishing their operations in Kochi, under T. C. Satyanath.

Their mother, Lorraine Thomas, has assisted at funeral services since 1983.

Bryan D. Thomas joined the staff in 1989, after completion of his mortuary science education at Mt.

Opportunity arose in 1995 for Tom to “leave the nest” and open his own independent retail jewelry store, J. Thomas Jewelers at 2248 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills.

The interior was redecorated and the third level was converted to offices in the summer of 2002.