Thomas Jones

B: October 28, 1955 D: Sept. 1, 2008

At the age of 52, Thomas Michael Jones of Polson, MT, died of natural causes at his home in Polson on September 1, 2008. Tom was born to Jim and Clara (Kubas) Jones on October 28, 1955 in Glendive, MT. The family moved to Polson in the late ‘50’s.

Growing up, Tom went through the Polson school system graduating from Polson High School in 1973. Along with his schoolwork, Tom excelled in football, wrestling, and baseball. He later went on to the Great Falls Business College and the Flathead Valley Community College studying a business administration curriculum.

After returning home to work in the family business, Tom met his wife Rosanne in Polson. They were married on August 18, 1978 at the Immaculate Conception Church in Polson . They have one son, Michael. After living at a home in Pablo for 12 years, he and the family moved into town to a house near the golf course.

In Polson, the family owned and operated the Pondera Bar and Restaurant. As with all family businesses, Tom grew up working in the business and later helped take over operating the family business. The bar and restaurant was owned and operated in the Jones family for 37 years.

After his time working in the bar and restaurant business, Tom was a casino manager for the Town Pump organization for four years. He opened and managed casinos in Whitefish, Ronan, and Polson. Tom recently made a career change to become a mortician in his late 40’s. In 2004, he started working at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson while going through school on-line full-time during his nights and weekends. He graduated from the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science, and most recently became fully licensed through the state on April 15, 2008 as a mortician. Although Tom grew up in the bar and restaurant business, this profession seemed to suit him perfectly. Along with his incredible network of friends and family, his kind demeanor and overall character made him a perfect fit for his new found passion.

Tom had many passions including sports (including coaching and officiating), cooking, traveling, hunting, and being with friends and family. He genuinely loved people, and as a mortician he felt that helping a family through this trying time was the “last kind thing he could do for the person and their family”. His easygoing manner and contagious smile will be missed.

Tom was a member of the Polson City Council, Ward II; served as a fireman in the Polson Volunteer Fire Department; member of the Parish Council and Finance Council at Immaculate Conception Church; member of the Knights of Columbus where he has held all offices at the local level and has served also at the state level; and was a Fourth Degree Knight.

He is survived by his wife, Rosanne (Pfeifer) of 30 years at Polson; their son, Michael, of Breda, Netherlands; a brother, James (wife Debbie) of Polson; a sister, Karen Woods (Randy Gunderson) of Missoula; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws and many close friends. His mother and father preceded him in death.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Grogan Funeral Home. A vigil service will be held at 7:00 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Friday, Sept.5th at 10:30 a.m. with burial to follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. A reception will follow at the church.

Condolences may be sent or a guest book may be signed at www.groganfuneralhome.com.

Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

9/4/2008
Mackay, ID
Rosanne and Mike, Love you guys and you are in my thoughts and prayers. So sorry that you have to go through this. If you ever need anything don't hesitate to get ahold of me or any of my family for that matter. Take care and keep in touch Josh Edwards

9-4-08
Sundance, WY
Dear Roseanne and Michael, Joshua called to let us know about Tom's passing. We are so very sorry. We are grateful for God's grace and gift of family at times such as this. In John 14:2,3 we read "I am gong ......to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am" May the Word bring you comfort and we will be thinking of you all. Dennis and Marlene Edwards

9/4/08
Columbia Falls
Please accept our sympathy. Tom will be remembered at the hunting camp and the fun we all had there. He was a very special guy. Know that we are thinking of you all, and you are in our prayers. Ken and Judy Sampson

09/04/2008
Kansas City, Kansas
Dear Rosanne, Michael, and Family, Our hearts go out to all of you at this sudden loss of Tom. We know that he will be missed by all of you and that your grief is shared by many friends, too. Please know that Kathy and I are praying for you and our heartfelt love for all you goes all the way to Montana. Yours in Christ, Terry (Dean) and Kathy Archer

September 5, 2008
Baton Rouge, LA
To Mike and his Mom Rosanne, I am so sorry to hear of your loss of your Father and Husband. Working with Mike over the last few years I felt I knew his Dad even though I had never met him. Mike spoke fondly of activities that they did together such as hunting on his Uncle's property, and sports activities they shared together. I would also add that his parent's did an outstanding job of raising Michael as he is one of the finest young man that I had the pleasure of working with. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Kevin Berry and Family

Sept. 5
San Jose, CA
Rosanne and Mike, It still seems so sureal that Tom has left us. I remember all the great summers we enjoyed as a family in Polson. Tom was such a special individual and he was extremely proud of you both. Mike - you made your father proud and Rosanne you are very fortunate to have found a best friend as your husband. The pain of the loss will never leave, but what will never leave as well is the beautiful memories you have of him. We need to know that Tom would never want us to mourn him, but rather celebrate his life. We will never know why he was taken from us so soon, but we must take comfortable knowing he is with Jim, Clara, Grandpa, Grandma, Uncle John, and Aunt Theresa. As with the passing of any loved one, we should learn to never take our loved ones or life for granted and that we must cherish every moment we have on this earth....that's what Tom would say. I will miss him and so sorry I could not be there in person for you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Cousin Janell

September 6
Polson
My prayers are with you, Roseanne..... Mary Fulkerson Lee

September 20
McCall Idaho
Rosanne and Michael, I am deeply saddened by Toms sudden death, and want you to know how special he was to all of his classmates from the Class of '73. Recently we had our 35 year reunion, and Tom was there to greet us all with a big smile, always genuinely interested in the paths each of our lives had taken. We will miss him terribly. A gentle soul, a great loss... Barb (Newby) Andrew

Oct 3
Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada
Sorry to hear of your loss. Tom was my coach in little league and I remember him well though I havent seen him in years. I remember his passion for the game and the fun we had those years. I am sure he will be missed by all...

11/11/08
Spokane, WA
Dear Rosanne and Mike, I wish to express my condolences. Tom was a great uncle, father and husband. I will miss him. You will be in my prayers. Love Nephew and Cousin Tony Dellwo