Thomas Michael Jones, 52

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

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 Flathead Valley Community College studying business administration curriculum.

After returning home to work in the family business, Tom met his wife Rosanne in Polson. They were married on Aug. 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 40s. In 2004, he started working at Grogan Funeral Home in Polson while going through school online 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, 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 newfound 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, was a member of the Parish Council and Finance Council at Immaculate Conception Church, was a 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 of 30 years, Rosanne (Pfeifer), of Polson; their son, Michael, of Breda, Netherlands; a brother, James, and wife, Debbie, of Polson; a sister, Karen Woods, and 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 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today, Sept. 4, at Grogan Funeral Home. A vigil service will be held at 7 p.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of Christian burial will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Sept. 5, with burial to follow at the Lakeview Cemetery in Polson. A reception will be afterward 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.