Jared Evans Thomas

Jared Evans ‘Tom’ Thomas, passed away at the age of 80 at Good Samaritan Banner Health Center, December 19th, 2025. He fought a battle against lung cancer and was surrounded by his loving children at the time of his passing. As Brooke and Jared shared their love with Tom at the hospital before his passing, his last request was to hold hands and sing the family song ‘Jolly ‘ol Bums’ together.

Born May 19th, 1945 at Luke Air Force Base to Jared and Margaret Thomas, he lived most of his life in Phoenix, AZ attending Larry C Kennedy Elementary School, Camelback High School and then graduating from University of Arizona as an active member of the Phi Delta Gamma fraternity. While at the UofA, he became engaged to Vikianna Van Voorhis, marrying her on June 14th, 1968. Viki was his best friend and love of his life. They are now together once again. MTYLTT. He was also an amazing Dad to daughter Brooke Anne (Craig Machen), and son Jared Evans (Megan Fitzgerald), and a special Papa to four lovely grandchildren, MaryJane Machen, Emily Bo Machen, Brooklyn Belle Thomas, and Georgia Hayley Thomas. Tom was preceded in death by his younger brother, Brooks Thomas. He is survived by his younger sister, Betty Dierker and her 3 children (Hayley, Brooks, and Addy), his brother-in-law, Wes VanVoorhis and his wife Debra. Tom loved spending time with all and any family including the Dudley’s, Dierker’s, Neese’s and Knorpp’s whenever possible.

Growing up in Phoenix he met many of the people that became his best friends throughout his entire life. Tom worked in the telecommunications field for much of his career. He was involved with a few different organizations and social clubs, including The Phoenix Jaycees, Arizona Model Airplane Club, Local Speeder Train groups, and The Valley Field Riding and Polo Club. His wife, Viki, was a member of The Board of Visitors and he proudly walked all 4 of his granddaughters down the runway at the annual Fashion Show.

He really enjoyed the outdoors, including picnics at our ‘Be there or be square’ spot, midnight fishing in our boat under the Coronado Bridge, taking the camper to Rocky Point (Viki at his side and kids riding up top in camper), and motorcycle rides by himself enjoying the sun and wind on his face. He also loved to just go “exploring” wherever he was, whether on land or water. Being with his “Flying Buddies” was another favorite outdoor pastime. He spent many hours in his workshop (that he built) crafting and building model airplanes, rockets, and other models. A lot of fun times were spent at the family’s house in Prescott hunting and fishing with others, geocaching, and at the annual Christmas Courthouse Lighting with family.

His laugh was infectious and his pockets always filled with jelly beans. His unique sense of humor could make anyone laugh. He knew most on a first name basis and always had a genuine interest in getting to know anyone and everyone he met. Tom was a social butterfly and often visited friends and family at some of the local taverns including Hamms, Raimondos, Talley’s, La Pinata and Pommeroys. He would bring his Wall Street Journal and have a beer if it was a lunch outing on his own.

Tom was known as having a variety of interesting pets along the way, including bringing his ‘kids’ to a party. Family was very important to him and there were a few sayings and songs that were very meaningful and often repeated at the weekly Sunday night cocktails and dinners. As his business card stated, he was a jack of all trades, aspiring Bon Vivant and an interesting luncheon companion. Those who knew him, loved him. He was an amazing Husband, Dad, and Papa, He was a wonderful friend and mentor to many. He will be missed dearly.

Private family services have been held. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com.

‘Dad, Tom, Papa, Whatever’ - Beacha Leacha… Booga Looga. We love you!