Joseph “JT” Miles Thomas Jr.

Joseph “JT” Miles Thomas Jr.

June 26, 1960 – August 6, 2026

Joseph “JT” Miles Thomas Jr., 66, passed away on August 6, 2026, leaving behind a life that was anything but ordinary. JT lived boldly, traveled widely, made friends wherever he went, and brought laughter, stories, and a little bit of mischief into the lives of countless people.

Born June 26, 1960, JT was the son of Joseph “Miles” Miles Thomas Sr. and Margaret “Marge” Ring Thomas of Opelika, Alabama. JT spent his early years in Opelika before setting out to create a life and identity uniquely his own.

JT attended Auburn University and became part of Auburn history as Aubie II during 1980–81. His time as a “Friend of Aubie” was only the beginning of an extraordinary career in entertainment. He later became closely associated with Hugo the Hornet, the mascot of the Charlotte Hornets, and went on to work with the Muppets, including portraying Gonzo and, at one point, filling in as the voice of Kermit the Frog. Eventually, his adventures took him around the world as Globie with the Harlem Globetrotters.

For JT, life was an adventure—and he had a remarkable talent for finding one.

His travels took him to places most people only dream about, but some of his favorite memories were much closer to home. He loved Auburn football, Aubie the mascot, beach days, storms, local news, television shows – “Dancing with the Stars” - and the people who became part of his chosen circle of friends.

JT eventually made his home along the beaches of the Florida Panhandle, where he became a familiar and unforgettable part of the 30A community. There, his world revolved around the beach, his friends, and his constant companion, Carrot the cat. Carrot was more than a pet—Carrot was JT’s companion, sidekick, and home.

JT had a unique way of living life. He was independent, unconventional, curious, and always on the move. He also had an uncanny ability to stay informed. Weather was a particular passion, and friends could count on JT to know what was happening with an approaching storm, the latest local news, or Auburn football. He loved sharing what he knew—and, of course, sharing his stories.

JT was the friend people could call when they needed someone to listen. Through the years, he offered friendship, advice, encouragement, and sometimes simply a listening ear. He had a way of being there when people needed him, even when his own life was complicated.

JT faced many challenges throughout his life, but he navigated them in his own way and rarely lost his sense of humor or his ability to find something to smile about. In the last year of his life, he took particular pride in becoming more independent—managing his finances, scheduling his own appointments, and taking care of the details of his life.

JT lived a life that cannot easily be summarized by a list of accomplishments. His greatest legacy is found in the stories people will tell about him: the mascot who traveled the world; the Auburn man and the beachcomber who shared his home with Carrot the Seagrove Cat.

Most of all, JT will be remembered for being completely and unapologetically himself.

His life was not always easy, but it was full. He lived to love, to laugh, to explore, to make connections, and to experience life rather than simply pass through it. He leaves behind a community of friends and fellow adventurers who will miss his stories, his humor, his unexpected phone calls, his Auburn spirit, and his unmistakable presence along the beach.

Preceding Joesph Thomas in death are his parents Miles and Marge Thomas, his brother, Thomas “Tom” Thomas; Remaining relatives include his brother, sister and numerous nieces and nephews, and cousins who can reflect on the special memories they may share.

Memorial donations in Joseph “JT” Thomas’s memory may be directed to Favorite Charity(ies) via this GoFundMe link, to support To honor him & his legacy on 30A and beyond, we are raising money to support four different causes that are unique to JT:

1) Auburn University’s Welcome Home Grant:

2) Caring & Sharing of South Walton:

3) Alaqua Animal Refuge:

4) Carrot the Seagrove Cat Memorial:

And somewhere, we hope, there is a beach waiting for JT—and a sunny spot beside him for Carrot.

War Eagle, JT.

Big hearts. Warm smiles. Orange and navy forever.