Thomas Henry Jones Jr.

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Thomas Henry Jones, Jr. of Goodyear, Arizona, was called peacefully home to his heavenly Father at the age of 93 surrounded by his loving family. Thomas, known as Tom or Tommy to his friends and family, was born on January 21, 1932 in Meridian, Mississippi to Thomas and Ethel (Rhodes) Jones.

Tom spent his childhood in Chicago with his older sister, Jackie, and a host of uncles, aunts, and cousins. He grew up on the North Side and was a White Sox, not a Cubs fan, and a lifelong Bears supporter. He had fond memories of growing up in Chicago and loved to reminisce about his escapades with his friends and cousins. He also loved playing sports, especially basketball.

In 1949, after graduating high school, something unexpected happened. On a whim, Tom tagged along with his buddies to the Army recruiting office, but the recruiter wasn’t there. The Air Force recruiter was, and after challenging Tom to take the entrance exam, Tom found himself with a decision: stay in Chicago or take a leap into the unknown. With his parents’ blessing, he chose the Air Force. It turned out to be one of the most important decisions of his life. Through the military, he learned a trade, traveled the world, and eventually landed in Pennsylvania, where he met the love of his life.

In early 1961 he was introduced to a wonderful young woman, Helen Joanne Jones, by her brother Tommy Wilson. Six months later he proposed and on August 26, 1961, they were married in Coraopolis, PA. Over the next 59 years, they raised four amazing daughters, Carol, Pam, Renee and Kimberly, lived in different places in the U.S. and Europe, hosted epic family cookouts, created lasting family traditions, laughed, danced, weathered the bad times, traveled the U.S. in various RVs, cruised the open seas, survived the Arizona heat for 50 years and had great, spirited conversations.

He proudly served in the United States Air Force for 26 years, retiring with the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Over his distinguished military career, he received multiple medals and commendations. During his military service, he was stationed in various locations across the U.S. and abroad, including parts of Asia and Europe.

After retiring from the military, Tom began a second successful career in aerospace, starting as a technical writer and later advancing to configuration management engineer. He worked for Allied Signal for 20 years before retiring once again. Thomas received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from University of Arizona in 1984 and his Master of Arts in Organization Management from University of Phoenix in 1994.

He was known for his quick wit, his infectious laughter, and his gift for striking up a conversation with just about anyone. He had a love of exploring the world, especially traveling in his RV, and he cherished being outdoors. One of his favorite pastimes was taking long drives with his beloved wife, simply talking and enjoying the journey. He also loved attending concerts and shows, listening to various types of music, and dancing. He was an avid reader and proudly maintained his military calisthenics routine throughout his life.

He was a deeply engaged member of his community. He served on his local HOA board and the Water Board for the City of Goodyear, playing an instrumental role in having the speed limit reduced from 35 to 30 miles per hour to better protect his neighbors. He also generously gave his time and expertise to Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, helping manage the church’s finances. He also volunteered his time with AARP to help seniors prepare and file their taxes.

Above all, he was a devoted husband preceded in death by his wife Helen Joanne Jones in 2020; a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend, whose warmth and spirit touched everyone who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his son, Christopher Gibbs. He is survived by his four daughters: Carol Phillips; Pamthia (Troy) Westbrooks; Renee (Robert) Williams; Kimberly (Steven) Czerwinski; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; his sister, Jackie Holloway; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews; and dear friends.

Family and friends are warmly invited to join us in honoring Tom’s life on Friday, May 9, 2025. The day will begin with a memorial service at 10:00 AM at Christ the Redeemer Lutheran Church, located at 8801 N 43rd Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85051. A military burial will follow at 12:30 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery, 9925 W Thomas Rd, Avondale, AZ 85392. After the burial, all are welcome to gather at Tom’s residence at 13139 W Coronado Dr., Goodyear, AZ 85395.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his honor to the American Cancer Society.

To View the Scheduled Services by Legacy Videography, on May9th. 2025 @ 4:00PM MST, please visit Youtube playlist link :

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLU9_K8cQAPn_k4FXBrTgxGwhG6whS7A_u