John Thomas Schaffner, known as John Thomas, born on January 7, 1930, passed away January 13, 2008, after a lengthy illness in Gulfport.
John, a musical legend on trumpet, began his professional career at age five and traveled throughout the world entertaining. He was a graduate of Oberlin College with two master's degrees in music. John played with and recorded with jazz greats such as Pete Fountain. When asked to name a highlight in his career he answered having substituted for trumpet great Doc Sevrenson for a concert in Florida. John was the band leader for many years at the Famous Door in New Orleans and most recently the leader of the Dixieland Jazz Band known as Bourbon Street East. He was one of the charter members of the Mississippi Coast Jazz Society, a past president of the Society, and served for many years as a board member.
John worked for many years as a radio broadcaster in Florida and locally had a show for WLOX broadcast from the old Friendship House. He later worked for WROA radio and as a sound engineer for WLOX TV.
John served for eight years in the U.S. Marines and was a purple heart recipient.
John is survived by his devoted wife, Lois Owen Thomas, a sister Ann McNichol, one daughter, Rhonda Whited of Lake Havasu City, California, two granddaughters, two great-granddaughters, and one great-grandson.
A Service of Remembrance will be held on Monday, January 21, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Gulfport.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First United Methodist Church, 2301 15th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501 or to the Mississippi Coast Jazz Society, P.O. Box 7443, Gulfport, MS 39507.
THE RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11213 Highway 49 North in Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be viewed and signed at
www.riemannfamily.com
