Tom Jones

With great sadness, we share that Thomas Dunn Jones, Jr. passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on 5 September 2026, at the age of 80. A beloved husband, father, friend, and community leader, Tom touched countless lives through kindness, compassion, and unwavering dedication to his family and friends.

Tom’s life was defined by curiosity, service, family, and an enduring belief that the world was meant to be explored. Born in New Orleans, Tom began his own journey early. At age eight, his family moved to Fort Worth, Texas, then to East Los Angeles, and eventually to Washington, D.C. There, he met and married the love of his life, Linda Louise (Masters) Jones. Together, they built a life filled with faith, devotion, and more adventures than either could have imagined. Tom attended the University of Maryland and answered the call of the sea, working aboard the Merchant Marine Ship SS Garden City and traveling through the Suez Canal in 1964. His service continued when he volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1967. Assigned first to the USS Soley (DD-707) and later to the USS Northampton (CC-1), Tom traveled through the Panama Canal while serving as Radioman Third Class. RM3 Thomas D. Jones, Jr., received an honorable discharge on 1 October 1968.

Following his military service, Tom began a 30-year career with the Chesapeake & Potomac Telephone Company, which later became Verizon. During those years, he and Linda raised six remarkable children. Tom led his family with a spirit of adventure. In 1976, he moved the family from the Washington, D.C., area to Selbyville, West Virginia, where life was full of gardens, chickens, river play, bicycle rides, and a newfound love of family running. After moving to Clarksburg WV in 1980, the family began competing together in 5K and 10K road races. Their home was one of activity, laughter, perseverance, and the belief that life was best lived outdoors and together.

A man of faith, Tom and his family attended Immaculate Conception Church, in Clarksburg where he served as a Eucharistic Minister. Over the years he also gave generously of his time to his community through the American Legion, Knights of Columbus, a charitable Corvette Club, Special Olympics of Orlando, the Horse Park of Ocala, and his local photography club.

Once their six children were grown, Tom and Linda embraced the adventures they had long anticipated. They enjoyed camping, white-water rafting, RV travel, bicycling and tandem biking, canoeing, and kayaking through national parks and countless other “wild and wonderful” places. Tom also completed events such as B.R.A.G., RAGBRAI, G.O.B.A. and Ride the Rockies, to name just a few. Among all those journeys, Tom often said his greatest adventure was the two weeks he and Linda spent camping and canoeing in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. On the first evening, when their intended campsite was full, Tom injured his toe, lost a toenail while searching for another place to stay, and was left with no other option but to wear Teva sandals for the remainder of the trip. Journeying far from communication and the outside world, they also learned through fellow travelers, that the events of September 11 had occurred. When they were finally able to check in with family and learned everyone was safe, the journey ended with relief, gratitude, and another unforgettable story. That trip and the many to follow captured the spirit of Tom’s life and the words his family will always associate with him: “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” —Helen Keller.

Thomas Dunn Jones Jr. is survived by his wife, Linda L. Jones, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren: Angela Sparta (Daniel), Matt Ellis, Jonah Ellis, Jonah Ellis, Jr., Jacob Ellis, Susan Raymond, Kelly Burnam (Jay), Beckett Burnam, Julia Lamberth (Brent), Winnie Lamberth, Karen Maninaro, Jasmine Marinaro, David Jones (Julie), Wyatt Jones, Ellie Jones, Heather Vawter (Chad), Emma Blue (Kyle), Noah Blue, John-Solomon Vawter, Finn Vawter, Melissa “Lisa” Graves (Jesse), Chloe Soong (Jason), Flora Soong and one brother Michael Jones.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the life of Thomas D. “Tom” Jones Jr. on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Morris-Baker Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A Rosary and Funeral Liturgy will follow at 12:30 p.m. under the direction of Father Dustin Collins. A committal service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain Home National Cemetery (Historic Section).

The family appreciates the prayers, support, and kindness shown by all during this difficult time. They would especially like to thank the Knights of Columbus Council 4264, the doctors, nurses, and staff of Johnson City Ballad Health Cancer Center and SOFHA Internal Medicine for their compassionate care, including Dr. Bradley Beeler and his nurse, Lauren, and Dr. Skylar Winchester and his nurse, Annie. A special thank you Amedysis Hospice for helping to bring peace and comfort.

Thomas Dunn Jones, Jr., was greatly loved and will be forever remembered by all whose lives were touched by his love, kindness. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Blood Cancer United. Phone: 888-557-7177, Mail: Blood Cancer United, Attn: Donora Services, PO Box 22324, New York, NY 10087 or Online: https://bloodcancerunited.org/cancer-donation

Memories and condolences may be shared with family via www.morrisbaker.com

Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is honored to serve the Jones family. (423) 282-1521