James "Dan" Thomas Jr.

James Daniel “Dan” Thomas Jr. died on August 7, 2026, after a courageous, but short, battle with cancer. Born on February 7, 1965, Dan grew up in Frankfort, Kentucky; in 1985, he chased the love of his life out west all the way to Idaho, where his kids were born, before eventually returning to Frankfort with his family in 1996. Dan was a wonderful husband and partner of 40 years to Kelly, a lover of good food and head chef of his household, a present and loving dad to Danielle and Caleb, a bonus dad for his kids’ spouses and many of their friends, and a doting Pops for his grandkids. He fell in love with technology in the mid 1980s, programming and playing games in his college computer lab; ultimately, he pursued a career with computers instead of using his accounting degree. His favorite hobbies were playing video games and cooking. Dan loved all things Marvel super heroes and comic books, often sported Dragon Ball Z t-shirts, and meticulously maintained a Viking-style, belly-length beard that Kelly was not a fan of, for many years. In 2018, Dan committed to getting healthy and lost 150+ pounds so he could have more time to be present for and active with his family. He spent that extra time enjoying slow Saturday mornings with his beloved wife and dogs, hosting his son, daughter-in-law and grandkids for many fun weekends, and dancing with his daughter at her wedding. Dan was a member of Capital City Christian Church for nearly 30 years, where youth group kids of the early 2000s knew him as Big Daddy Dan. He was well known at the local Planet Fitness, where he lifted weights and rode the bike, and Starbucks, where the staff knew his daily order and he knew their names. His legacy is in his fierce love, protection, and provision for his family. Dan could be a bit of a bear – a bear-hugging teddy bear to those who were closest to him and a gruff, straight-talking grizzly bear to others. He trash talked and teased to the end, and he went out fighting as hard as he could, even if it meant just a little more time with his family. We are so thankful for him and so sad to say goodbye, but we also know he crossed the finish line carrying the peace of a life well-lived, ready to meet Jesus. He told his family that he would either fight and get better or fight and meet Jesus, and God was in control either way. In the fight for his life, and in his death, he remained a steady and good role model we are proud to follow. He is survived by his wife, Kelly Thomas; daughter, Danielle Thomas (Alejandro); son, Caleb Thomas (Meghan) and grandchildren, Madison, Amsley, and Cyrus; parents, Jim and Frances Thomas; brother, Shawn Thomas (Kim) and his son, Chris (Sarahi); and many other family members and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his grandson, Elijah and nephew, Jonathan. A visitation will be held at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026. A celebration of life will be held for Dan on Sunday, August 16, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at The Foundry on Broadway in Frankfort, Kentucky. Please come ready to eat good food and toast a life well-lived. Wear your favorite super hero or comic book shirt and bring a fun Dan story to share. Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory.

Tributes

James "Dan" Thomas Jr.

February 7, 1965 - August 7, 2026