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Henry Thomas

1953 - 2018

Henry Thomas Obituary

Thomas Jr., Henry "Hank" Irving Passed away peacefully Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the age of 64 in Chicago, IL, having lost his hard-fought battle with a neuromuscular disease. He was born to Henry Sr. and Gloria (Ward) Thomas April 5, 1953 in Chicago and raised on South Side. Thomas was born into a tight knit, musical and sports oriented family. As a youngster, Thomas' love of baseball led to his dream of being a baseball player, until his sister, Sharon, took him to his first Harlan basketball game when he was in elementary school. Once he got to Harlan, Henry became a star basketball player himself, as a 5'3" point guard. In 1970 the Harlan High School basketball team beat DuSable to win the Chicago City Championship. One of the greatest accomplishments of his life! Henry attended Bradley University on a full basketball scholarship and received a B.S. in Accounting, graduating in 1974 and then attended DePaul University where he received his J.D. and LL.M in Taxation. After years as a tax specialist and supervisor with Cooper & Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouseCoopers). While at DePaul on a teaching fellowship, he created and began teaching a Sports Law course at the University's College of Law, the school's first-ever, which he taught as an Adjunct Professor for 23 years. Thomas joined the Chicago law firm of Carney & Brothers, Ltd. in 1984, where he gained valuable training and experience as both a transactional lawyer and a civil litigator. While there, Thomas signed his first client, Tim Hardaway. In 1989 he formed his own management company, Thomas Sports Management (TSM), where he added several more clients including NBA players Lindsay Hunter, Michael Finley, Donnie Boyce, Anthony Parker and Charles Smith. In 2002, Thomas sold TSM to CSMG, and in his first year with CSMG, he signed Tim James, Marcus Fizer, Bobbi Simmons, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Dee Brown, and Ronnie Brewer. In 2009, Thomas joined entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA), where he was instrumental in building the foundation of its Basketball group, and established the agency's presence in Chicago in addition to bringing on TJ Warren, DeAndre Liggins, and Manny Harris while managing the increasing demands of representing two of the "Big 3" Miami Heat players, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh and Lebron James. It was Thomas' ability to connect with players on a personal level that made him so effective and beloved. Henry remained close to his beloved Harlan High School roots and his 95th street community. In 2011, he spearheaded the effort to refurbish the gym floor at Harlan High School, commemorating the 40th anniversary of the City Championship win. The new floor was named after his high school coach and mentor, Lee Umbles. Thomas was passionate about music, and dreamt of being an R&B DJ upon retiring. He is survived by his wife, Susan; daughters, Hillary and Jaye; son, Ryan; sister, Sharon (Douglas); niece, Lindsay (Andy), and grandniece, Rilyn. Services are private. Memorial donations may be made in Thomas' name to JourneyCare Foundation, at JourneyCare.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Feb. 2, 2018.

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Chuck Miketinac

February 8, 2018

Many condolences. Very saddened by the news of Mr. Thomas' passing. And very embarrassed that I'm just now finding out. I never met Mr. Thomas, but man, did I bug him over the years trying to squeeze him for information on some of his client's movements during free agency. Even though he probably thought it, he never made me feel like a pain in the rear end, understanding I, and many like me, were just doing their jobs. Mr. Thomas always treated me with class, respect, and professionalism, sharing what he could, and understood that by moving the information chain without selling out his clients was actually a good thing, and by doing so, help grow the NBA. He always had a quote or two that would add to whatever story you were writing on one of his many, talented clients.
I am deeply saddened I never met Mr. Thomas face to face, so I could at least thank him for everything he did for me, asking for nothing in return. Even without really knowing him, I have a profound sense as to the type of guy he was, and how he carried himself while he was here. God bless you Sir, and I'm sure you're making sweet music up above. Chuck Miketinac/Fox San Antonio

Rhonda Gumbel - Thomas

February 7, 2018

Sincere condolences to the family.
Hank was a warm smile, gentle eyes, a fantastic athlete including tennis and a proud dad.

Janet Martin

February 4, 2018

Dearest Sharon,

I along with the other Harlanites in the Atlanta Area are with you in Spirit during this special time in the life of your family. May God enfold you in HIs Love and Protection.

So many memories of our youthful days on the 95th block of Indiana warm my heart. Hanky was special as you well know. I can close my eyes and see him dribbling a basketball, catching a baseball, quoting an athletes stats and talking about his dreams.

I did not realize then what a great neighborhood we lived in, what great neighbors we had and how blessed we were!

May your memories of your brother bring you solace in the days to come and know I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.

Janet Lane Martin, (9526 Indiana Avenue)
565 Cativo Drive, SW
Atlanta, GA 30311

February 4, 2018

To The Thomas Family,

I am truly sorry for your loss. Hank and I knew each other through growing up in the same neighborhood and attending Harlan High. I will always admire his accomplishments and the way Hank touched so many lives in a positive way. It's sad when the world loses someone of his caliber.

Steve Charles, St. Charles, IL

Myra Jefferson

February 4, 2018

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Sharon B.

February 3, 2018

Thomas Family, My deepest sympathies for your loss. I knew Hank in his Bradley days and remember him as a great guy who was humble and hard working. I have always been so proud that a "Brave" gained such success and respect in his field after basketball. May he now rest in the loving arms of our Lord. Sharon B.

Rita

February 3, 2018

I am deeply sorry for this loss to family and friends. Our Heavenly Father is the God of Comfort; may you draw strength and hope from his words recorded in the scriptures:

Stacey Ward

February 3, 2018

Susan and the Thomas family,

My sincere and heartfelt condolences on Hank's transition.

Susan.You may not remember me because its been over 25 plus years (circa) since we even last communicated. I was young sports producer at BET in the mid 90s. We would talk in an effort to book Hank's clients for shows and promotional events. I recall you always saying your full name of Susan Holman Thomas of Thomas Sports Management. I always heard it with a smile :) In fact, I also remember that you had just had a daughter when we first started talking with any frequency. It was Cary Mitchell, clothing designer, who first introduced us. Cary was always the man for connecting people in the sports arenaathletes, agents and media professionals. I remember always telling me that Hank Thomas was the man you needed to know. :)

Your Hank was always so very, very kind and such a super nice man with the biggest smile. I will always remember you both for your warmth even across the phone. What a joy it was to interact with two such wonderful people. Again, my sincere condolences to you and your family.

God's peace and grace now and always,
Stacey Ward

J. G.

February 2, 2018

To The Thomas Family,

I am so sorry for your recent loss.
Mr.Thomas seemed like such a hard-worker, and someone who really cared about his community.

May the God of all comfort strengthen your family during this time of deep sorrow. Please know that those who pass on are kept safe in God's perfect memory because they are precious in his eyes, and he promises to remember those whom we have lost to reunite with us with them in the future. Please accept my sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15) (John 6:40) (Acts 14:15)

JoAnn Drew

February 2, 2018

My sincerest condolences to the Thomas family on the loss of your loved one. May God bless you during your time of bereavement. Harlan High School classmate.

February 2, 2018

My very first boss evere over at Carney & Brothers. You were the best to ever start off with. My condolences to Susan and your entire family. Rest in peace my friend.

February 2, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

February 2, 2018

May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)

February 2, 2018

Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your loved one. May the wonderful memories of your loved one continue to provide your family a small measure of comfort until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5

David and Althea

February 2, 2018

Dear Susan we are so saddened to hear about Hank and offer our deepest condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. Exodus 6:3

Eric Schmidt

February 1, 2018

So very sorry to have heard about Hank's passing. He was always incredibly kind to me professionally, and I'll miss his "hey, man!" comments in his emails. Thinking of his family and friends...

Darryl Woods

February 1, 2018

RIP Hank, as a long time chicago guy, you set the standard about how to do the agent business the right way, and I thank you for that. Darryl Woods, YoungMoneyAPAA Sports and Ent. Thanks Man....

Jamie Love

January 31, 2018

Susan, Jaye and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.
Deepest sympathies, Jamie and Madison Love

Charles Ramey

January 31, 2018

Condolences to the Thomas family on your loss. To Hank, 1967 We established a relationship that lasted a lifetime. Our daughters grew up to become strong Black women at Hampton University. A warrior in the true sense of the word, but a kind strong individual who cared about people and never forgot where he came from. To Susan, Hillary,Sharon and Vanessa and the children, God Bless. May God continue to wrap his ever loving arms around the family on this day and give them Peace. Charles Ramey

Jorjette

January 31, 2018

Sincerest condolences for your loss. May precious memories of your dear loved one, along with encouraging words such as those found at John 11: 25 & 26 be of comfort to your family

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