Jaxyn Van Thomas, 11 years old, of Granbury, Texas, departed this life on June 3, 2026. Affectionately known as “J.T.” to his classmates, Jaxyn was truly one of a kind. With a stature that could rival any high school football player, he was well on his way to an invitation to join his beloved Dallas Cowboys one day. Dubbed by neighbors and best friends as the “Gentle Giant” with an old soul, he truly had the kindest, sweetest, most gentle spirit. As evidenced by his love for animals, especially his cats, his soul was magnetic to those around him.
Jaxyn was born to John and Crystal Thomas on July 4, 2014, in Childress, Texas, where he made his entrance with the first eruption of fireworks during the midnight hour. The Fourth of July was a special event every year since it was also J.T.’s birthday. Independence Day of 2025 left a lasting impression for his family and his neighbors, as that was the day J.T. donned his denim overall shorts and boots. Combined with his impressive mullet, which his mom aptly named “‘merica!!” he was quite a sight for all to see. This outfit combination became his daily choice for most of that summer, much to the delight of all the neighbors. He certainly made everyone look twice and smile.
Jaxyn attended Oak Woods School in Granbury, Texas, where he was well-known for his white glasses and his epic mullet haircut. J.T. was looking forward to his 12th birthday on July 4, a summer full of backyard pool time, playing in the sprinkler on the trampoline and Nerf Gun Wars with his neighborhood best friends, fishing Lake Granbury from his neighbor’s dock, lazy days on the couch with his beloved cat, Prissy Boy, cooking and gardening with Mom and online video gaming with his dad and bubba.
Amongst some of Jaxyn’s favorite memories was a family trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C., where he learned that he loved the ocean and the beach sand. Thus began his love for being a human excavator. He put his digging skills to work at home in the backyard, where he would dig holes all over while hunting for rocks. It is known at J.T.’s home that you better watch where you’re walking so that you don’t twist an ankle! J.T. was also quite proud of his knife collection. He once even set up a table to display his knives in his neighbor’s front yard, then waved cars down to stop and pay him money to see the collection. During fifth grade school Field Day, J.T. very proudly devoured EIGHTEEN pickle pops. School staff grabbed photos for proof, and he loved to brag about this particular moment of fame. J.T. enjoyed accompanying his dad on long road trips in the work semi-truck, where they would swap stories and just enjoy being together.
Jaxyn was preceded in death by his paternal Great Grandma Rose Thomas, Grandpa Van Thomas, Grandpa Simon, Uncle Skip Thomas and Linda “Mimi” Trosper; maternal Great Grandfather Bill Bailey, Great-Grands Noel “Papa Jack” Burrows and wife beloved Mary Ann Burrows, Papa Larry “Cotton” Bailey, Roni “NeNe” Bailey and Uncle Christopher Prather. Jaxyn was also preceded by two of his beloved pets who were with him since the day he was born, his dog, Lady, and his cat, Lil Girl.
Left to cherish memories of Jaxyn are his parents, John and Crystal Thomas and brother Sheltyn Blu Woodford of Granbury. Also, Grandpa John Edward Thomas, Grandma Sue Simon, Grandma Shirley Pollard, Uncle Daniel Thomas and family, Aunt Amanda McClure and family, Aunt Ashley Silvers, Grannie Naomi Bailey, Nana Belinda Bailey, Uncle Royce and Michie Burrows, Uncle Dane Burrows, Aunt Connie “Nodi” Ferrell and husband Mickey, cousins Melissa Harper and boys and Cortney Brown and children, and so many more beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Special thanks to Ronnie Shoffner, Chaplain John Hosea, Stonewater Church, Many Mansions, Shane Brooks and Wiley Funeral Home. Additionally, we would like to extend never-ending thanks to friends and neighbors whom have contributed your time and love. To our new friends who have come forward from near and far, your kindness and generosity mean more than we can express.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, June 12 at Stonewater Church in Granbury. A visitation for friends and family will be held prior to services, beginning at 1 p.m. The service will be live-streamed, and a link will be provided.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Many Mansions Foundation and Stonewater Church in Granbury.
Services under the care and consideration of Wiley Funeral Home of Granbury.
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