John Gerald Thress (Jerry) age 94, passed into the peaceful life on Dec. 11, 2024. Jerry was born to parents Wendall and Blanche Thress on Dec. 6, 1930, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky. Jerry was the oldest of his four siblings and the first to leave home for service in the US Navy in 1951. He served as a dentalman on a naval ship from 1951-1955. His service landed him in Camp Pendleton where he decided then to settle in southern California for life -particularly south Orange County. Jerry was known throughout the county for his beautiful finish work carpentry, skill in cabinet making, volunteer coaching with the Del Obispo Little League in the 1960s, and his camaraderie and tennis skills with many teammates on the San Clemente tennis courts. Jerry was the all-around great guy in his long-time Capistrano Beach neighborhood where he loved to carve/machine-cut fun wooden goodies for the Halloween trick-or-treaters each year. One child just this year exclaimed, “I now have 18 of these carvings at home”. That truly brought a smile.

Jerry was preceded in death by his beloved wife Kay Thress and his three siblings. Jerry is survived by his son, Mark (Kim) Thress, daughters Julie (Bill) Sukenik, Debra (John) Pember, Terry Thompson, Carla Bell and son Russ (Edna) Klinger, as well as 10 beloved grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. He will be forever remembered for his gifts of unconditional love and support. A private family ceremony is being planned.