Tom Miles Obituary

Miles, Tom
59, of Phoenix, AZ. passed away Sunday April 10, 2011. He is survived by his wife Cathie, who loved Tom with all her heart, sisters Sharon and Billie. Tom was an outstanding music student at North High School Phoenix. He attended Mesa Community College and Arizona State University. A self proclaimed "trumpet bum", Tom was considered by many to be Arizona's premier trumpet player. He toured the world with the Ice Capades, Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and the Woody Herman Orchestra. Tom also performed with Johnny Mathis, Rosemary Clooney, Bob Newhart, Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme', as well as numerous national broadway productions. Tom had an extensive recording career. He was most recently featured on Charlie Argersinger's jazz CD entitled L.A. Rendezvous. Tom was a 39-year loyal member of American Federation of Musicians Local 586 where for many years he served as office manager. Tom's love for life included his cats, good food, clever wit, and most important, a good "hang" with his many friends. He is loved and will be missed by family and friends. Tom will be remembered Saturday May 14 at 10am-12pm at A.L. Moore/Grimshaw Mortuary, 710 W. Bethany Home Road, followed by a lunch at Raimondo's Italian Restaurant, 502 West Camelback Road, from noon to 2pm.

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Published by The Arizona Republic on Apr. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Tom Miles

13 Entries

May 15, 2011

Tommy performed with me for years and was an inspiration not only in my life at the time but also years after. I never met a player who had
the "Golden Sound" like Tommy. I wish I could be half the perfomer at my singing that Tommy was at his Horn. Really , Really,.....True!!
Steve Ansel

Jay Jett

May 13, 2011

I went to Longview and North Phoenix High School with Tom and played the trumpet with Tom in the school bands. Quite a few good memories I know he will be missed.

Ed Rejsa

May 11, 2011

I knew Tom from the Phoenix College Jazz Band, and I also had the pleasure of playing with him after college. He was a great talent and a great guy. I will always remember his wit and cool demeanor. My condolences to his family and many friends. Our lives were definitely richer for knowing him.

katherine todd

May 4, 2011

I am the lead vocal stylist for the 'Repeat Offenders'...We have had the honor of Tom blessing us with his talents,skills,spirit, & music for many years. This 'cat' has it all!!!! I always found myself saying out loud that white man sure can blow.. He sure did make me look 'good'! Tom brought tears of joy & happiness to my eyes & soul. It was a honor to have him gig with us. May 7th Tom was to gig with us @ the Rhythm Room.... I can't wait for Tom 2 sit-in with us:) Love Always-KT

Diana Lee ? Ruiz

April 27, 2011

Tommy was a great trumpet player and musician. Everyone will miss you! God bless and keep you now and forever! Say hi to Miles for us! Yours in Song, Diana Lee ?

chris gough

April 27, 2011

Tommy, your personal warmth and good humor will be sorely missed, as well as your musicianship. A gig was always more fun when you were on it.
Thanks for the good times

Rest in Peace Brother

Devon Leal Bridgewater

April 25, 2011

For several years, Tom played in my Easter Sunday (sunrise service) trumpet trio. A 6 a.m. downbeat, I inherited the gig from Wes Marshall years ago and always picked Tommy up and drove him back home after the performance. Yesterday the minister remembered Tommy in the Easter message and many people in attendance shared their condolences with me. Tommy sounded great on the Bach stuff too! Adios hermano...

Bill White

April 22, 2011

I've known Tom since we played together in the Young Sounds Big Band about 40 years ago. A great musician and a true gentleman, Tom always had a huge smile on his face. And I always knew that any gig that I got to play with Tom was going to be a great gig. I never heard him say a negative thing about anyone. As someone mentioned in another tribute, Tom Miles was the best. He will be sorely missed! My condolences to Cathie, Sharon and Billie. Thank you, Tom, for giving us your "Heart and Soul."

April 21, 2011

I met Tom and Cathie when my Brother died Tom was very nice and we all went to a really neat Mexican Restaurant. Sorry about his sudden death. My Prayers go to his wife and two sisters Sharon and Billie.

Joe & Karin Stallard

Mary Segall

April 21, 2011

Every time I went to the Union Hall with my son, Nick Segall, for Young Sounds rehearsals or business, Tommy was always there. We are grateful for his complete support of exceptional music education for our talented youth. We also had many occasions to hear him play his beautiful trumpet, including times that Nick played his drums with him. We will certainly miss him much.

Bruce Lee

April 20, 2011

Tommy was a great guy, and a tremendous musician! My condolences to his family and to his extremely large extended family of musical friends. You will be missed by all. RIP Tommy!

Vittorio & Melody Maynes

April 20, 2011

Quite the gentleman and Trumpeteer Extraordinaire; comes along only once in a lifetime. We'll all miss the man and the sweet sounds of his instrument, where he was certainly second to none. God Bless the entire Miles family at this time and always. Please know his legacy will live on for eternity.

Ron Goodwin

April 20, 2011

I met Tom in the Phoenix College Jazz Band in the early '70s. I'd occasionally run into him at various musical functions and gigs. He was always polite and interesting to talk to. And his music was always terriffic. He will be missed, but not forgotten.

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