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Portrait of Brandon J Thomason
Brandon “BJ” Thomason

Brandon J Thomason

May 30, 1979 – September 12, 2023
Lived 44 years
Friedens · Troy, IL
Life story

Brandon graduated from Bismarck Henning High School in 1997 and then attended Danville Area Community College. He received his degree in Criminal Justice from Illinois State University in 2002. He had a specific interest in working with adolescents. He worked at Dupage County Youth Home and Madison County Detention. At the time of his passing, Brandon was a Youth and Family Specialist with the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice. He created an immeasurable impact on the youth he worked with and formed some of his closest friendships with his colleagues.

Brandon married the love of his life Kelly on November 22, 2003. He is the proud father of Silas, Gavin, and Caleb. He loved supporting them in their many athletics and activities.

Brandon enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was always up for an adventure. He liked listening to live music. His love of music was vast but at the time of his passing he most frequently listened to outlaw country, particularly Cody Jinks. That being said he loved to jam out to Miley Cyrus. He enjoyed trying different types of beers but could often be seen with a Stag in hand. He liked to barbecue attempting to make the perfect steak, ribs, or pulled pork. He loved to travel. He and Kelly spent three weeks backpacking in Europe prior to starting a family traveling to Ireland, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands. He had traveled to 24 of the 50 states with Kelly and/or their boys. He was known for his love of waterfalls and making a stop for a hike or view was a must.

Brandon was one of the “good ones” and was taken from us far too soon. He would give you the shirt off his back. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Many referred to him as the gentle giant.

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The world Brandon knew

Family milestones in gold, history for context

1979
Born May 30
1981
Brandon was 2 when MTV began broadcasting
1989
Brandon was 10 when "The Simpsons" debuted as a series
1997
Brandon was 18 when "Titanic" opened in theaters
1998
Brandon was 19 when Google was founded
2001
Brandon was 22 when Apple introduced the iPod
2023
Passed away September 12, age 44
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Friedens
Troy, IL
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