Thomas I. "T.I." Jones

Thomas I. Jones, 88, formerly of Gallipolis, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025 at The Ohio Veterans Home in Georgetown, Ohio. Tom, known to most as T.I., was born the eldest of five boys at the family home on March 20, 1937, son of the late Geraldine Phillips and Othniel Jones. He graduated from Gallia Academy High School in 1956 and remained a loyal Blue Devils fan throughout his life. From 1961 to 1967, he served as a Yeoman in the United States Navy. Upon discharge, he returned home and began working at the Goodyear Tire & Rubber, from which he retired in 1992.

T.I. enjoyed meeting people and was known for striking up conversations with friends and strangers alike, a habit that served him well as salesman for the GAHS Athletic Booster Club. Most football Friday nights he could be found at Memorial Field on the top row of the bleachers at the 50-yard line cheering on the Blue Devils. In addition to supporting local sports, he was a lifelong fan of the Reds, the Bengals, and the Buckeyes. He loved being outdoors, whether puttering around in the yard or joining the fellas on the golf course. T.I. was also an avid bowler, scoring his personal best of 299 at Skyline Lanes. He and his late wife, Loretta, were longtime members of Grace United Methodist Church in Jackson, Ohio, and supported several charitable organizations, including his beloved Secret Santa project. They also cherished their time socializing and dancing as members of the Elks Club. He had a tender heart for animals; alongside his own pet cats, he always looked after a half dozen strays - making sure each one was fed, safe, and welcomed.

T.I. is survived by three daughters Teri Lyn Morgan-Gregory, Tina (Greg) Simons, and Joy Wallace; four grandchildren Rachael (Ricky) Collignon, Kathleen Ross, Rhys Wallace, and Ethan Wallace; and one great-grandchild Robin Collignon. He is also survived by three brothers John (Judy) Jones, Dan (Carol) Jones, Ed (Sandy) Jones, and nephew John (Toni) Jones, Jr. as well as many extended family members. In addition to his parents, T.I. was preceded in death by his brother Newt and his wife Loretta.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Ohio Veterans Home at Georgetown and Hospice of Hope for the comfort and care provided to T.I. The service for T.I. will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, 2025 at Ohio Valley Memory Gardens Chapel of Hope Mausoleum. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum. Visitation will be prior to the service from 12:00-1:00 p.m. in the mausoleum chapel. In remembrance of T.I., the family requests that charitable donations be made to Friends of Gallia County’s Animals. https://www.friendsofgalliacountysanimals.com