John K. Thomas, 84, doctor

John K. Thomas, a Cherry Hill physician and psychiatrist, died of pneumonia at Virtua West Jersey Hospital Voorhees on Saturday, the day before his 85th birthday.

Dr. Thomas had been in decline since his wife, Barbara Jean, died Sept. 21, relatives said. The couple, who lived in Cherry Hill, were married 57 years and had five children.

"It was match made in heaven," daughter Robin Roche said.

The two met in Philadelphia on a blind date set up by a friend from Brown University, where the would-be doctor attended college. His future wife was an art student at Moore College of Art.

After graduating from Temple University's medical school, Dr. Thomas was a general practitioner in Cherry Hill for 10 years. He became a resident psychiatrist at Temple University Hospital and spent time working at Episcopal Hospital and the former St. Mary Hospital.

The native of Des Moines, Iowa, also served at COMHAR Inc., a Philadelphia-based network of centers for children and adults with mental-health and developmental issues.

During World War II, Dr. Thomas flew cargo planes for the Army, transporting soldiers and supplies. He once flew over the "The Hump" - the Himalayas - one of many stories he related to his family about his service, his daughter said.

In addition to his daughter Robin, Dr. Thomas is survived by a son, John Jr.; daughters Susan M. Walker, Elizabeth Molter, and Amy Jean Thomas; and eight grandchildren.

Friends may call from 7 to 9 tonight at the Schetter Funeral Home, 304 W. Marlton Pike, Cherry Hill. The funeral will be private.

Memorial donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, Box 5030, Hagerstown, Md. 21741-5030.