Thomas Mullins Jugueta

Tom was born November 11, 1940, the year of the fire dragon, in the state of Washington, to Tiburcio “Ted” Jugueta and Mable Rose Mullins. He was Mable’s second born and had an older brother Freddie Bacusmo. When Tom was two, Freddie died. Tom was the only child of Mable’s to know Freddie and as he told his siblings in later years, he didn’t really remember his older brother. Tom ended up having five other siblings, full sisters Maxine, Jeannette and Darlene Jugueta, and half siblings Agaton “Tony” Magboo Jr and Charity Gallardo.

As the oldest, Tom always tried to be the best big brother he could and was known as the peacemaker in the family, the one person who got along with everyone. Despite being the oldest, Tom outlived Tony, Maxine, Jeannette and Darlene, passing just seven months after Darlene.

A 1958 graduate of Salinas High School in Salinas, CA, Tom had a tight group of friends that included the Addrisi brothers, Don and Dick, who wrote the 1967 hit by the Association, “Never My Love.” Another of his close high school friends, Gary Meimar, became actor Michael Gregory who starred on “General Hospital.” Tom attended Hartnell Community College in Salinas as well as the University of Washington.

In the 60’s, Tom lived in Southern California and from 1965 to 1967 he danced on the Dick Clark show “Where the Action Is.” He also became heavily involved in politics, active in his local Democratic committee and took part in Civil Rights marches. If it weren’t for coming down with the flu, he’d have been at the Ambassador Hotel the night Robert Kennedy was killed.

Tom protested the Vietnam War, was for the legalization of marijuana, and equal rights for women, the disabled and all people of color. He was also a huge sports fan. During the 80’s he sometimes covered local sports for the Salinas Californian newspaper. He was also a track and field official, officiating as a long jump judge at the annual Bruce Jenner Track Meet and many others. Tom also became a football referee for high school and community college games.

A long time University of Washington Huskies fan, Tom was rarely seen without a Huskies hat. He was also an Oakland Raider and Seattle Seahawk fan. Tom’s many nieces and nephews knew that buying “Uncle Tom” or “Unk” a birthday present was as easy as ordering a hat from one of his favorite teams.

Tom was divorced and had twin sons, Thomas II and Robert. He had many nieces and nephews for whom he was a father figure. As the patriarch of the family, Tom was known to be encouraging of each individual’s passions and interests.

Tom worked as a chef for Hyatt for some years in Texas, moving on to other restaurants in California and Washington. In his later years, he worked for the Social Security Administration until he retired due to health issues. Tom’s dedication to his family was unsurpassed and they will all miss his quiet presence, sports analyses, and political “discussions.”