- Date Of Birth: December 10, 1968
- Date Of Death: June 9, 2017
- State: Arizona
Thomas Kay Jones, 48, of Yuma, AZ, passed from this earthly life June 9, 2017 in Yuma,
AZ after a short but courageous battle with cancer. Tom was born December 10, 1968 in Whittier, CA to L. Corry and Marilyn Jones. He was an active and loving son and brother who loved sports and enjoyed hiking among the many archaeological sites of the western desert. He was an avid basketball fan and as a child spent many a winter night huddled under his blankets after his parents thought he was asleep cheering on his beloved Golden State Warriors. He was a standout high school basketball player and a member of the golf team at Minidoka County High School in Rupert, Idaho. He loved growing up on the Idaho Youth Ranch, where his father was the Ranch Director. Tom was extremely well-read and reveled in trivia of all types—especially sports trivia. He could name the mascot of every college team in America, including the most obscure. He loved to laugh, and he especially enjoyed telling a story. He wrote poetry, and he published a book, “Down the Mineshaft: A Quartzsite Mystery” in 2015.
Tom married the love of his life, Heidi Kathleen Harding on June 30, 2001 in the Las Vegas Nevada Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Tom and Heidi were adventurous and dedicated travelers. They spent many an enjoyable day searching out and photographing unique buildings and lighthouses. Tom and Heidi’s children are
Sydney Lauren (Jacob) Fryer, Riley Kathryn Jones, Brady Thomas Jones, and Malorie (Nate) Nelson. Grandchildren are Olivia Grace Fryer and Carolyne Jane Nelson.
Tom worked for the Bureau of Land Management. He was a respected Archaeologist who relished the history and mystery of archaeology. He loved to excavate ancient sites and appreciated the people who came before him. Tom was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served a two year mission to Paraguay. He served in many church positions, but his favorite was working with the youth.
Tom is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, parents, siblings David (Angie), Jennifer (Brant), John (Jessica) and Jana (Jared), and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and in-laws.
