Thomas Michael James

"Tom"

Thomas "Tom" James, 51, died unexpectedly at his home in Arlington, VA, on December 15, 2014. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 12pm to 4pm at Clyde's of Tysons Corner, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA.

Tom was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and spent his early childhood in Texas, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, where his Air Force father was stationed. He spent his his high school years in Camp Hill, PA, where he attended Cedar Cliff High School. He graduated with distinction from Kenyon College, an institution that remained one of the loves of his life.

He loved his children, his brothers, his friends, Star Trek, Kenyon, and octopus. He loved music of all kinds. He could often be found on his back porch blasting whatever music--Springsteen, John Denver, Fiona Ritchie, or his son's band Safety Third--caught his fancy that day for the enjoyment of his neighbors. But it was friendship that defined him. Tom was the friendliest man on the planet. He never ate at a restaurant without getting the names and history of any staff who got within 10 feet of the table. If he was sitting at the bar, he would be friends with everyone by the end of the evening. He could hardly go anywhere without running into an old friend from back home, Kenyon, or his early years in Washington. His ability to develop and maintain friendships was legendary.

Tom spent his early years in Washington working on the Hill before transferring his talents to the lobbying world. He was President and CEO of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association at the time of his death. It was an industry and an organization he was proud to represent.

Predeceased by his parents Michael and Elsie; he is survived by his children, Michael and Gretchen of Arlington, VA, and his brothers Michael Koscso of Arlington, VA, and Robert Koscso, his wife Suzanne, and their children Olivia, Ayn, and Elise of Raleigh, NC, as well as a legion of friends from all parts of his life.

Education funds have been established for Tom's children. To contribute, please make separate checks out to each child (Michael James and Gretchen James) and mail to RPJ Financial Advisors 7647 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043, attention Newt Pendleton. To leave a message of condolence please go to http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Thomas-James&lc=1144&pid=173502477&mid=6240007.