Lt. Col. (ret.) Thomas Christopher Jones, born June 10th, 1948, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, passed away at his home in Tacoma on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. Tom Jones was a beloved husband and father, a good and decent man. He was predeceased by his sister, mother, and father. He is survived by his wife, Jean Jones; his daughter, Amy (Robert) Jones; and his brother, Ed (Catherine) Jones, Crestview, FL, as well as many friends he made throughout his life. 

Services will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, October 3rd, 2026, at the New Tacoma Cemeteries. 

Tom was a proud graduate of the Air Force Academy class of 1970 and completed undergraduate pilot training in 1971. He served as a pilot in the US Air Force until he retired as a lieutenant colonel from McChord in 1991.

Though Tom remained a dedicated aviation enthusiast throughout his life, he continued to serve the public after retirement from the Armed Forces, working for Pierce County in information services until 2018.

In retirement, Tom dedicated the past twenty years to CASA as a court-appointed special advocate for children navigating the foster care system. He received his silver service award earlier this year, 2026. He also volunteered with Explorer Post 1735, introducing young people to aviation through Aviation Explorers. His care and support touched many people during his 78 years on earth, and he will be sorely missed.