Thomas J. "Tom" Jolly

Thomas James Jolly, 79, passed away peacefully on July 13th at his home in Auburn, Kansas. He was preceded by the passing of his parents, James and Katherine Jolly and his step-son, Andrew Bray. He is survived by his loving wife, Ila Jolly and his three siblings, Carol Jolly, Jeanine Tarrant and James Jolly Jr. (Darlene).

Tom has a daughter, Kimberlee Jolly and his granddaughter, Allison Jolly. He is survived by his step-daughter Julie (Derek) Ward and step-grandchildren, Dixon, Crocker & Sterling Ward, Sabian, Angelo & Phoenix Bray along with Macio Palacio and Devain Fansler. He is also survived by his nephews, Sean Jolly (Manda), & Jason (Raima). He is survived by his nieces, Jennifer Vanini (Marc); Stacy Alcala (Ivan) and Devon Sechrist (Donnie). As well, he is survived by a great niece, and six great nephews.

Over his lifetime, Tom maintained friends from his high school and college years as well as friends who were part of the arts community where Tom lived for many years in Durango and Silverton, Colorado. His journey from Miami Norland High School in Miami, Florida brought him to Kansas in 1963 were he was an outstanding football player at Wichita State University and from where he graduated. Tom’s love of sports included coaching children’s football and track. He was a faithful, loving, dedicated, if not demanding grandpa raising his grandsons who played baseball, football and wrestling. A trip to visit his sister in Topeka in 1995 resulted in his meeting and falling in love with the woman he called, the love of his life and with whom he spent his happiest years. He never met a stranger, was a good neighbor, was known for telling funny stories, had a great sense of humor, wrote beautiful poetry and interesting novellas, could fix anything and was a creative woodworker. Tom was the ultimate fresh and salt water fisherman. He was a dedicated son who faithfully cared for his parents in their final years.

Tom experienced many challenges in his life but had great determination in overcoming adversities. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by us all in the Jolly/Bray family. Tom requested that he be cremated and his ashes released on the Dolores River in Colorado where he often fished.

A memorial service will be held 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, July 23, 2024 at Dove Southwest Chapel, 3700 SW Wanamaker Rd, Topeka, KS 66610.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tom Jolly Education Fund for his grandchildren.

To share a memory of Tom or leave a special message for his family, please visit the guestbook below.