Richard 'Rick' Thomas, 61

Richard James “Rick” Thomas, known affectionately as “Ricky” to many family and lifelong friends, passed away Aug. 3, 2026, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, at the age of 61. He was born March 15, 1965, in Phoenix, Ariz., to James Edward Thomas and Melva Willette Evans.

Rick grew up in Oak Grove, Miss., and graduated from Oak Grove R-VI High School in 1983. A gifted athlete, he excelled in football, wrestling and track. He was the starting fullback for a football team ranked No. 1 in Missouri for much of his senior season, qualified for the state wrestling tournament and competed at the state track meet as a member of the 4×200-meter relay team.

Rick’s remarkable work ethic developed early. At just 15, he lost his father and close friend, Jim, suddenly to a heart attack. Rick began working to support himself and remained extraordinarily hardworking, determined and self-reliant throughout his life.

After attending Southwest Missouri State University, Rick worked briefly as an ironworker apprentice. A serious construction accident — and the chiropractic care he received afterward — changed the course of his life and inspired his future profession. He subsequently graduated from Cleveland Chiropractic College and established his chiropractic practice in Post Falls, Idaho, where he cared for patients for many years.

Rick married Johnnie Campbell on June 25, 2016, in Post Falls, and together they made their home in Hayden, Idaho. Rick was the proud father of five children: Ricky; Ryan; Maggie and her husband, Ryan Exum; Molly; and Aleeyah. Maggie and Ryan blessed Rick with his only grandchild, Marigold, whom he adored and who brought tremendous joy to his life.

Rick approached life with enthusiasm and seemingly endless interests. A naturally gifted musician, he played guitar, banjo and drums. He loved hunting, fishing the lakes of North Idaho, weightlifting, cycling, triathlons, CrossFit, dancing the two-step, working on his home and learning about science, health, nutrition and exercise. Of all the things Rick enjoyed, few brought him greater happiness than time at the lake with his family.

Above all, Rick was a devoted Christian whose faith guided his life and service at Real Life Ministries. He will be remembered as honest, hardworking, generous, kind, passionate, fun-loving and deeply devoted to those he loved.

Rick was preceded in death by his father, James Edward Thomas. He is survived by his wife, Johnnie; his children, Ricky, Maggie and her husband, Ryan Exum, Ryan, Molly, and Aleeyah; his beloved granddaughter, Marigold, daughter of Maggie and Ryan; his mother, Melva Evans (Richard Jasso) of Spokane, Wash.; his brother, Ronald (Heather) Thomas of Dublin, Ohio; his sisters, Clarissa (Stany) Van Den Bogaert of Rogersville, Miss., and Kathy James of Menlo Park, Calif.; and nine nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, at 11 a.m. at Real Life Ministries, located at 1860 N. Cecil Road, Post Falls, ID 83854.