As for what happened. Here's what we know. The neighbor heard him snoring at about 1am, but nothing after that. He didn't show up to work, so his boss was concerned as Uncle Tom was either at work, or he'd call in. The boss went to his home and no answer. They contacted the landlord and when they went in, Uncle Tom was in bed and unresponsive. Basically, he passed away from heart failure in his sleep. No sign of any struggle. This was totally unexpected as Uncle Tom was only 64, and nothing had been prepared AT ALL.

We're really hoping to have things firmed up in the next couple of days and will let everyone know just as soon as we do.

Thanks so much for helping us to get the word out! Uncle Tom LOVED his car clubs and talked about all the fun he had with his Z.

Please watch for a couple of emails going out this week. One will be about the memorial and the other will be about the car. Unfortunately, we are not going to be able to keep the car and will have to sell it. He was less than 2 years in to his 5 year lease.

Thank you all so much for your interest in a memorial for my Uncle Tom ("Gezzer" to many of you). I just wanted to touch base with you all to let you know that we ARE working on getting something together for him. This came at us TOTALLY UNEXPECTIDLY and none of us (including him) were prepared for this. We are trying to take care of him and his affairs, and then we will be able to work on the planning of the Celebration of Life for him.

Uncle Tom was a very simple man who never liked a big deal or a fuss. We are trying to plan something fitting for him, but we've run in to several issues that required our immediate attention. His sister (my mother) is having surgery in a couple of weeks. We're trying to work around that and some previous committments that we cannot change. I can tell you that this will be an outdoor event, and very casual.

We will email and get the word out once our plans are more firm.

Thanks again for the kind words you have given. It is so nice to see how many lives he touched. We know how special he was, and we're glad you saw that too.

Sincerely,
Mike and Cindy Detlefsen
(Tom's nephew and Niece-in-law)

We have finally gotten things straightened out and arrangements have been made for a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Sunday at 1pm. In case you didn't know, Uncle Tom didn't even own a pair of closed toe shoes, so PLEASE come casual and bring a blanket or chair as we are going to be outside (he LOVED to hang out outside). Feel free to forward this email off to those who knew him. Please see the attached for details and directions. If you have problems opening it, please let us know.

We had a strong lead on the Z, but it doesn't seem like it's going to work out. We'd still like to have it go to someone who will appreciate it, but we truly are running out of time. If you (or someone you know) are interested PLEASE respond to this email and leave a phone number so we can get back to you the same day (we've also attached a copy of the sale flyer for the car).

Thank you for the kind words many of you have shared. We look forward to meeting you on Sunday if you are available.

Thomas Andrew Jones Jr. (aka – “Gezzer”) age 64 of Redondo Beach, CA entered into rest on Wednesday, June 27, 2012.
He was born on December 3, 1947 in Inglewood, CA to Thomas and Catherine Jones. He lived most of his adult life at the beach cities of the South Bay (Manhattan, Hermosa and Redondo). He always had a kind word to anyone who spoke to him. Tom was active in his “Z” car clubs and drove around town in a Limited Edition 40th Anniversary modified 370Z. He loved to show it off whenever he could.
The family would like to invite you to join in a Celebration of Life to be held on Sunday, August 5th at 1:00pm at Pet Haven Cemetery located at 18300 So. Figueroa Street in Gardena, CA. Tom was a very casual guy, and so it this event. Bring your own blanket or chair and share some of your favorite memories with us at this outdoor occasion.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to: The Carson Animal Shelter c/o Pet Haven Cemetery 18300 So. Figueroa St. Gardena, CA 90248
.
Pet Haven Cemetery & Crematory
is located 13 miles from the center of
Los Angeles due south on Figueroa Street, between Artesia Blvd. and 190th Street.
If you come via Harbor Freeway (110-S), take the 190th Street off-ramp, then 1 block east (left) to Figueroa Street. If by the San Diego Freeway (405-S), come south to the Vermont Street off-ramp, then east on 190th to Figueroa Street. If by the Riverside Freeway (91-W), take the Main Street off-ramp, then south on Main Street to Victoria Street, then west towards Figueroa Street. The parking lot is off of Victoria/190th Street.

As for what happened. Here's what we know. The neighbor heard him snoring at about 1am, but nothing after that. He didn't show up to work, so his boss was concerned as Uncle Tom was either at work, or he'd call in. The boss went to his home and no answer. They contacted the landlord and when they went in, Uncle Tom was in bed and unresponsive. Basically, he passed away from heart failure in his sleep. No sign of any struggle. This was totally unexpected as Uncle Tom was only 64, and nothing had been prepared AT ALL.