On Wednesday May 4, 2011, Thomas Arthur (TA) Jones passed away in the comfort of his long time residence on West Arthur Street.
TA was born on Dec. 15, 1917 at the Port Arthur General Hospital. He was the only son of an Irish immigrant who worked in the construction industry on local landmarks such as the Black Bay Bridge, the Whalen Building and the Prince Arthur Hotel. In 1923 due to the tragic death of his uncle, TA, his five sisters and his parents moved back to Lurgan, Northern Ireland. TA’s heart, however, remained in Canada.
In 1940 he married Mary Emma “May” in the town of Portadown, Northern Ireland and in 1941 they welcomed their first son, Tom.
His longing to return to Canada was delayed due to the start of World War II. During the war, TA was employed at Short and Harland Limited in Belfast where the Short Stirling bombers were built. TA’s work focused on engineering and increasing the payload of the aircraft. He had vivid recollections of the time he spent at the factory during this very tumultuous period.
In 1947, TA returned to his birthplace with his wife and son. Not long after their arrival, their daughter Lois was born and a year later, so too was their second son John.
TA’s first job in Canada was with C.D. Howe Engineering. He excelled in this profession and he quickly became an inspector at Macintosh and Mickelson Architects and Engineers.
TA developed a reputation as an ambitious, industrious and straightforward individual and soon went on to co-found Jones and Laine Construction. Unfortunately the partnership ended after the death of Mr. Laine in a car accident.
Subsequently, TA formed his own construction company Tom Jones Construction, laying the foundation for the Tom Jones Corporation, as we know it today.
A pioneer in the construction industry, TA forever changed the landscape of Northwestern Ontario through his involvement in the construction and development of many Thunder Bay buildings and landmarks. Some of his early projects included the original Lakehead University Building, now known as the Braun Building, Grandview Lodge, The LCBO Warehouse on Harold Crescent, the Shebandowan Lake Mine, Intercity Mall, the IBM Building, The Medical Arts Building, The Bev Porters Building and numerous schools across the region.
In the late 1950s while expanding the business, building stores for Canadian Tire and Safeway in Western Canada, TA acquired his first Stetson hat. The iconic image of TA in his hat is one that will be forever etched in the memories of those who knew him.
In his younger years, TA was an avid sportsman and duck hunter. A long time member of the Shiners, TA was the first captain of the Lakehead Shiners Motor Patrol and he was an active member of the Lakehead Builders Exchange.
Later in life, he enjoyed travelling and spent countless hours in his greenhouse and garden. His generosity was demonstrated through countless gifts from his garden, anonymous donations to those in need and assistance to those he believed in, with no need for recognition. He treasured time with family and was a friend and father figure to many. TA will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
In 2007, Mary, his wife of 67 years, predeceased TA. He will forever be remembered by his children Tom (Shirley), Lois (Gerry) Tobin and John (Eva); his grandchildren Tom (Linda), John (Robyn), Hunter (Helen), Shannon (Ed) Hagerman, Kim (Len) Johnston, Parker, Morgan, Riley and Jonalee; his great-grandchildren, Connor, Logan, Alex, Jaden, Devon, Aidan, James, Ridley and Emmery.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway Street East, Thunder Bay.
As a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society, TA indicated that in lieu of flowers, a gift to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated. The family is also in the process of establishing a scholarship at Lakehead University in TA’s memory.
TA was born on Dec. 15, 1917 at the Port Arthur General Hospital. He was the only son of an Irish immigrant who worked in the construction industry on local landmarks such as the Black Bay Bridge, the Whalen Building and the Prince Arthur Hotel. In 1923 due to the tragic death of his uncle, TA, his five sisters and his parents moved back to Lurgan, Northern Ireland. TA’s heart, however, remained in Canada.
In 1940 he married Mary Emma “May” in the town of Portadown, Northern Ireland and in 1941 they welcomed their first son, Tom.
His longing to return to Canada was delayed due to the start of World War II. During the war, TA was employed at Short and Harland Limited in Belfast where the Short Stirling bombers were built. TA’s work focused on engineering and increasing the payload of the aircraft. He had vivid recollections of the time he spent at the factory during this very tumultuous period.
In 1947, TA returned to his birthplace with his wife and son. Not long after their arrival, their daughter Lois was born and a year later, so too was their second son John.
TA’s first job in Canada was with C.D. Howe Engineering. He excelled in this profession and he quickly became an inspector at Macintosh and Mickelson Architects and Engineers.
TA developed a reputation as an ambitious, industrious and straightforward individual and soon went on to co-found Jones and Laine Construction. Unfortunately the partnership ended after the death of Mr. Laine in a car accident.
Subsequently, TA formed his own construction company Tom Jones Construction, laying the foundation for the Tom Jones Corporation, as we know it today.
A pioneer in the construction industry, TA forever changed the landscape of Northwestern Ontario through his involvement in the construction and development of many Thunder Bay buildings and landmarks. Some of his early projects included the original Lakehead University Building, now known as the Braun Building, Grandview Lodge, The LCBO Warehouse on Harold Crescent, the Shebandowan Lake Mine, Intercity Mall, the IBM Building, The Medical Arts Building, The Bev Porters Building and numerous schools across the region.
In the late 1950s while expanding the business, building stores for Canadian Tire and Safeway in Western Canada, TA acquired his first Stetson hat. The iconic image of TA in his hat is one that will be forever etched in the memories of those who knew him.
In his younger years, TA was an avid sportsman and duck hunter. A long time member of the Shiners, TA was the first captain of the Lakehead Shiners Motor Patrol and he was an active member of the Lakehead Builders Exchange.
Later in life, he enjoyed travelling and spent countless hours in his greenhouse and garden. His generosity was demonstrated through countless gifts from his garden, anonymous donations to those in need and assistance to those he believed in, with no need for recognition. He treasured time with family and was a friend and father figure to many. TA will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
In 2007, Mary, his wife of 67 years, predeceased TA. He will forever be remembered by his children Tom (Shirley), Lois (Gerry) Tobin and John (Eva); his grandchildren Tom (Linda), John (Robyn), Hunter (Helen), Shannon (Ed) Hagerman, Kim (Len) Johnston, Parker, Morgan, Riley and Jonalee; his great-grandchildren, Connor, Logan, Alex, Jaden, Devon, Aidan, James, Ridley and Emmery.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, May 9 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, 808 Ridgeway Street East, Thunder Bay.
As a supporter of the Alzheimer’s Society, TA indicated that in lieu of flowers, a gift to the Alzheimer’s Society would be appreciated. The family is also in the process of establishing a scholarship at Lakehead University in TA’s memory.
