Thomas Edward Oxley

October 10, 1942 – May 12, 2025

Thomas Edward Oxley, 82, passed away peacefully on May 12, 2025, in his sleep.

Born on October 10, 1942, in Troy, Ohio, Tom was the son of Paul and Janet Oxley. He was raised in Troy and began his collegiate studies at Northwestern University in Chicago. He later completed his bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from Baylor University.

Following his graduation, Tom began teaching sports medicine at California State University, Long Beach, where he also served as head athletic trainer. It was during this time that he reconnected with Janet Blackmun. Tom and Janet were married on April 10, 1971, in California.

Tom and Janet later moved to Winnetka, Illinois, where Tom returned to Northwestern University as a Professor of Physical Therapy and Head Athletic Trainer. Tom and Janet’s only child, daughter Elizabeth Anne Oxley, was born in Evanston, Illinois, on September 2, 1975.

In early 1977, Tom accepted the position of Head Athletic Trainer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers under head coach John McKay, a role he held until the conclusion of the 1984 season. After his time in the NFL, Tom co-founded Austin and Oxley Physical Therapy in Tampa, Florida. The practice eventually merged with HealthSouth, where Tom held the position of Regional Vice President for several years.

Tom was widely respected for his professional expertise, leadership, and deep commitment to the well-being of others. He was known for his integrity, warmth, and generosity—not only as a colleague and mentor, but also as a friend. His sense of humor was the best medicine for so many, and his stories are eternally legendary.

As a golf hobbyist, Tom often joked about the limitations of his game, but he loved the sport for the camaraderie it brought. Above all his accomplishments, golf notwithstanding, Tom will be remembered as a devoted father and a proud Papa.

Tom was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Janet Oxley. He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Oxley, and his beloved grandsons, Alex Paul Baumgarten (21) and Shawn Oxley Baumgarten (17).

Tom’s legacy of kindness, dedication, humility, and humor will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial endowment scholarship has been created in his honor to benefit physical therapy students at the University of South Florida. Information about donations to honor his memory and his dedication to his profession can be found on the provided link below.