John T. (Tom) Gee

John Thomas (Tom) Gee, 87, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23 in Williamsburg, surrounded by his family. Tom was born on October 7, 1937 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to John and Gertrude Gee. During his formative years, he and his parents moved throughout the Midwest with his father’s work with the Red Cross. The family settled permanently in Leavenworth, Kansas and Tom later attended the University of Kansas where he earned a BA in Political Science. Having participated in ROTC in both high school and at KU, upon graduation Tom joined the U.S. Army as a commissioned officer. He began his training with Fort Bragg’s 82nd airborne, but ultimately found his niche in Army Intelligence where he would remain for his 23 year career. Tom served three tours of duty prior to and during the Vietnam War, one in Okinawa and two in Vietnam. By then Tom had married Elizabeth Robinson and they had one son, Sean. Tom’s work took him to posts in the US, Germany and London. Tom’s favorite post was London where he did two tours as Liaison from the U.S. Department of Defense Intelligence Branch to the Intelligence Branch of the British Ministry of Defense. This post was his favorite and he held many memories of his comrades at Whitehall. Upon return to the US, Tom’s last assignment was at Arlington Hall, the DOD signal intelligence facility (INSCOM), from which he retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel. The marriage to Elizabeth ended in divorce and Tom sought a church home, ending up at the Church of the Holy Comforter in Vienna, Virginia, where Tom met his future wife, Eve. The two were married in 1992 remaining in the Washington, DC area until Eve’s retirement. They moved to Williamsburg where they have lived for 20 years. Living in Williamsburg, Tom continued to serve his fraternity, Kappa Sigma, as an alumnus advisor to the chapter at William and Mary, and later as District Grand Master, advising other chapters at colleges and universities in Virginia. Tom was active in local politics and was appointed Chairman of the James City County Electoral Board on which he served for 9 years. Tom and Eve loved their life together, traveling and taking cruises. Tom lovingly supported Eve as she went to seminary and was ordained to the priesthood in the Episcopal Church. But in 2022 when Tom’s health began to fail, Eve retired from her parish of 11 years to spend all her time devoted to her “Tommy”. Tom was a consummate gentleman, a stalwart worker in the service of his country and beloved of all who knew him. He is survived by his wife, the Reverend Eve Butler-Gee; his son, Sean; his stepdaughter, Lora Jarvis Williams (John) and his adult grandchildren, Evan and Ellie. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 4 at 11 a.m. at Hickory Neck Episcopal Church at 8300 Richmond Road in Toano, Virginia. Interment will follow the service at Williamsburg Memorial Park. Donations in his memory may go to Martin’s Brandon Episcopal Church, Burrowsville, Virginia; the Church of the Holy Comforter, Vienna, Virginia; or to the Alzheimer’s Association.