Tom Wilcox, a 1965 Jefferson High School graduate, did his final gig on earth on December 14, 2022. He was smart, talented, creative, and witty. Thus, he lived an interesting life. He entertained the neighborhood kids by playing Frankenstein while growing up on Edgewood in Jefferson. A game of flag football brought friends from all over town to the back yard where they would spend the afternoon. Doris and Lumund, Tom’s parents, provided many opportunities like family trips to Colorado (Tom read comic books most of the time) and attending the World’s Fair in New York. One highlight of his youth was that Tom got to fly on Air Force One to a ballgame with his dad. Hanging out with friends, listening or playing music, and driving fast made his high school years memorable.
Tom enjoyed sports. He was a golfer (sometimes a frustrated one), a runner, and an avid soccer fan. Climbing to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro was his biggest physical feat.
Music was his passion. Tom played the trumpet in various bands, performed for some celebrities, and was the featured soloist for several events. Partying with Clark Terry was one highlight of his music career. Tom not only performed but composed numerous songs. He attended jazz festivals on several continents and was even able to go to his final concert (Tower of Power) this summer.
Tom was a social studies and English teacher. His students were engaged by his unique teaching methods and making the content interesting through the stories of his travels. Tom also put on several music programs at the school that got the students involved. He took much delight in finding grammar and punctuation errors in others written communications, especially his sister Sue’s annual Christmas letter. Tom wrote and published an adventure story for young people to encourage them to read.
Tom had a soft spot for people and animals in need. He volunteered his time to teach an elderly gentleman to read and mentored others throughout his life. He adopted several stray cats from PAWS and spoiled them terribly.
To his friends and family, Tom could discuss any subject and listen to concerns you might share with him. In the next moment, he would be making you laugh with his off-the-wall remarks and crazy antics. He was greatly loved by his nephews who enjoyed his sense of humor and his musical talents. They would jam at holidays, and they even performed at Josh and Abby’s wedding.
His last years have been spent in Solvang, CA, where he treasured the time spent with his daughter and family. He played games, read stories, and built a gingerbread house that looked like it had been through an earthquake with his granddaughter who he adored.
Tom is survived by his daughter Sara Wyle and her husband Noah, and his granddaughter Frances; his sister Sue Richardson, her husband Nick, and his nephews and their families, Nate Richardson, Josh, Abby and Lyric Richardson, and Jared, Erin, Nolan and Conner Richardson; his special friend Ruth Sausman and her family; his beloved cats Miles and Chloe; and many relatives and friends.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Doris and Lumund Wilcox. There is no service…just go hear some great music.
If you would like to remember Tom with a memorial, please donate to the Greene County School-music department in Jefferson or throw some cash in the jar of the next street musician you encounter and think of a fun time that you shared with him.
