Thomas Rodney Sikes

Thomas Rodney Sikes, 73, passed away Oct 13, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born May 21,1952, Tommy graduated from Ribault High School’s “Great Class of 1970” and FL Jr College. His professional journey from park ranger to Blue Cross manager led to

owning Fiesta Parties, Inc. Being elected as President of the Southside Businessmen’s Club was a highlight. Selling the business in 2001, his work served a deeper purpose, tending to his special

needs daughter, Phoebe. In the 70’s, as a founding member of the band Tumbleweed, Tom, Ted, & Terry Sikes and friends Kellar Braddock & Rick Coleman drew a loyal following at popular spots including the Chatterbox, Applejacks, and the White Lion in St. Augustine. Tumbleweed reformed in 1988 as an all-acoustic group, with the 3 brothers and Tom’s wife Denise (Denny) performing to fans at venues such as Applejacks, Mandarin Marina, Tres Amigos, OC Whites, Scarlett O’Hara’s and opening for Glen Campbell @ Silver Springs Music festival. Band members also provided back-up vocals for studio recording artists such as David Pooler.

Tom is survived by his beloved wife, Denise (Holcomb) Sikes; daughters Savannah Sikes, Sierra (David) Allen, & Phoebe Sikes; granddaughters Cecilia & Olivia Allen; brother Ted Sikes; sister Peggy Sikes-Byers; FIL Leroy & MIL Maxine Holcomb; SIL Dawn Holcomb, nephew Michael S. (Carly) Holcomb, niece Jordan Holcomb; Michael J. (Stacey) Holcomb, niece Kelcey (Bill) Ferguson, nephew Tyler (Sarah Michele) Holcomb, niece Sarah (Nick) Steele; SIL Lisa (Kurt) English, niece Danna Ruis, nephew James (Courtney) Petty, niece Autumn (Chris) Outlaw, nephew Harrison (Amanda) English; SIL Beth (Ray) Crosby, nephews Hunter, Cameron & Ty Crosby, niece Reagan Crosby; BIL Ron Jones, nephew Patrick Jones, niece Marcie Jones (Ben McDaniel); SIL Bonita Golden-Sikes; nephew J.J. Snow (Sherry Lewis); family nurse Brittany Robinson. He was predeceased by his parents Champion Dewey Sikes, Jr. & Naomi (Caruthers) Sikes, sister Paula (Sikes) Jones, brother Terry Sikes, SIL Terry (Snow) Sikes, BIL David Byers, BIL Mark Holcomb.

Tom loved music, sports, stamp collecting, puzzles of all kinds. He adored his children. Made room for his wife’s love of travel. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, University of Florida Gators, Jacksonville Jaguars, Rush Limbaugh, and Making America Great Again. He appreciated fine bourbon, Dublin Iced Tea, and cherished time spent in the Smoky Mountains. Known for his kindness, humor, generosity, and joyful spirit, Tom brought warmth and a helping hand to to all who knew or needed him.

A funeral Mass will be held on Mon, Nov 3, 2025 (11:00 a.m.) @ Assumption Catholic Church, 2403 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207 followed by a celebration in Kohl’s Hall. Commitment will take place graveside (2:15 p.m.) @ Greenlawn Cemetery, 4300 Beach Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207.

May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him, or as Tom would tell you, “The Mountains are calling and I must go.”

**In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the “Christian Appalachian Project” which was a favorite of his.**.