John Edward "Johnny" Thomas II, 34, of Catlett passed away at Georgetown University Hospital Monday, Jan. 30, 2006, after battling lung cancer.
Thomas was born Feb. 11, 1971, in Alexandria and was a graduate of Garfield High School.
His career began with Prince William County in 2000, serving first with the Park Authority, then later joining the Department of Fire and Rescue in 2002.
Thomas was an active member until his death.
Thomas achieved rank of technician II with the department on Nov. 20, 2004.
Honors received included being presented with the "Team Member of the Month" award in April 2003.
Thomas was commended for his performance during an animal rescue. Special activities included "Take Our Children to Work Day" and recognition of his leadership abilities and strong initiative under the most critical of circumstances.
Thomas was a faithful and devoted volunteer as a camp counselor for the Central Virginia Burn Camp for Children for the last two summers.
Thomas was a current member of the Northern Virginia Fire and Rescue Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional team that was deployed to assist with hurricane relief efforts in Mississippi.
Thomas served with the Department of Fire and Rescue, and was a member of Dumfries Volunteer Rescue Squad where he held the rank of lieutenant. During this time he received a Medal of Honor in 2001 for rescuing a victim from a house fire.
He is survived by his wife, Michelle "Mickey" Thomas, also an active member of the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue; his parents,John and Patricia Thomas; his grandmother, Arlene Foster; sisters, Dawn Stahl and her husband, Chuck, Tracy Thomas, and Lorrie Addison and her husband, Scott; and nieces and nephews, Chase Stahl, Taylor Thomas, Danni Addison, Dalton Addison, Farrell Alves, Connor Alves, Rayner Alves, and Slade Sheid; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and thousands of friends.
The family will receive family and friends Saturday, Feb. 4, at 1 p.m.,with a memorial service immediately following at 2 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas. Interment services will be private.
Services are entrusted to Mountcastle Funeral Home, Dale City.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the American Cancer Society, 124 Park Street., S.E., Vienna, Va. 22180-0699, or by calling 1-800-227-2345.
