Obituary

Thomas Gilmore “Tom” Jones, beloved son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, friend, businessman, entrepreneur, veteran, and Christian, passed away in his sleep, June 21, 2025, at the Hospice Hubbard House, after a long illness. He was born on July 2, 1937, and he was the second born to Harvey Gilmore Jones and Mary Littlepage Jones Crowl. He is survived by his older brother, Robert H “Red” Jones, and his little sister, Mary Jeannette “Cis” Bramer, and her husband, William L “Bill” Bramer.

Tom, served in the US Navy and loved the different lands and cultures that he experienced and these travels became his passion as he continued to travel the rest of his life. He served 5 years, 2 months, and 11 days, and at the end of his enlistment, he was part of the 142nd Fighter Squadron stationed at the Miramar Naval Station. During his time in the Navy, he won his weight class in boxing, a sport that he, his brother, and their father enjoyed and learned from an early age. He preferred warm weather and the tropical isles but he had memories that he shared from the world over.

Tom, graduated from Charleston High School in 1955 and joined the US Navy in January, 1956. After serving in the Navy, he returned to Charleston and with money he had saved serving our country, he and his good friend, Joe Miller, opened the renowned “Man Tiki”, as “Rock and Roll” and “Elvis” mania took over the country.

With no formal business experience or education, Tom, used his new found business success, left Charleston in the mid 60’s, for LA, and established “Tom Jones Productions” where he promoted many events, from fundraisers for the Police and Fireman’s Ball, to “Black Jack” tournaments, disabled veterans basketball league sponsorships, untold numerous sporting events, concerts, and charitable causes. CA had it all and he promoted it all. He, like his brother and sister, were business minded people.

After being a professional promoter for 35+ years and spending time with his sister and her family, which also lived in the LA area, he decided to move back to WV and spend time with his brother and his family, while he researched a Caribbean island he could retire to. Tom, never left Charleston again though his dreams continued. Tom, was also an integral part of his mother’s care as she aged.

Tom, was an avid scuba diver and was health conscious and fitness minded all of his life. Until his back surgery several years ago, he would start each day with 10 pushups and 10 sit-ups, not bad for a man in his early 80’s. He watched what he put into his body and he enjoyed exercising. He loved to read, particularly about American history, wartime adventures and maritime vessels.

Tom, was everyone’s favorite uncle and was easy to get along with and easy to love. He always had a kind word and was always asking about how you were doing. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Wilma Jones, his great nephew, Robert Thomas Jones, and his great niece Kayleigh Raiche. Besides Tom’s siblings and brother-in-law, mourning his passing are his many nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and great nephews from coast to coast.

The family would like to thank Jo Ellen for the wonderful caregiving she provided while Tom was cared for at home and to Terri and Lorie for their special care at Angel’s Touch Personal Care Home in St Albans. A shout out to the other “girls” at Angels Touch that he spent the last few months of his life, he enjoyed their company very much. A warm thanks to the staff at Hospice Hubbard House for his end of life care.

There will be a graveside service at the Donel C Kinnard Memorial State Veterans Cemetery, in Dunbar, WV, Friday June 27th, at 11AM, with the Reverend Dr. Jim Hewitt, officiating. All friends and family are welcomed to attend this service. Full military honors will be bestowed. Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home in Charleston, WV, has been entrusted with his care and his arrangements. Condolences can be shared at www.BarlowBonsall.com.