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THOMAS JAMES Obituary


JAMES THOMAS M. JAMES "Tom" Thomas "Tom" James, 51, died unexpectedly at his home in Arlington, VA, on December 15, 2014. A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, December 21 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Clyde's of Tysons Corner, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. Tom was born in New Brunswick, NJ, and spent his early childhood in Texas, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania, where his Air Force father was stationed. He spent his high school years in Camp Hill, PA, where he attended Cedar Cliff High School. He graduated with distinction from Kenyon College, an institution that remained one of the loves of his life. He loved his children, his brothers, his friends, Star Trek, Kenyon, and octopus. He loved music of all kinds. He could often be found on his back porch blasting whatever music-Springsteen, John Denver, Fiona Ritchie, or his son's band Safety Third-caught his fancy that day for the enjoyment of his neighbors. But it was friendship that defined him. Tom was the friendliest man on the planet. He never ate at a restaurant without getting the names and history of any staff who got within 10 feet of the table. If he was sitting at the bar, he would be friends with everyone by the end of the evening. He could hardly go anywhere without running into an old friend from back home, Kenyon, or his early years in Washington. His ability to develop and maintain friendships was legendary. Tom spent his early years in Washington working on the Hill before transferring his talents to the lobbying world. He was President and CEO of the Truck Renting and Leasing Association at the time of his death. It was an industry and an organization he was proud to represent. Predeceased by his parents, Michael and Elsie. He is survived by his children, Michael and Gretchen of Arlington, VA; his brothers, Michael Koscso of Arlington, VA and Robert Koscso, his wife, Suzanne and their children, Olivia, Ayn and Elise of Raleigh, NC, as well as a legion of friends from all parts of his life. Education funds have been established for Tom's children. To contribute, please make separate checks out to each child (Michael James and Gretchen James) and mail to RPJ Financial Advisors, 7647 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043, Attention, Newt Pendleton. To leave a message of condolence please go to: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/ dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n= Thomas-James&lc=1144&pid= 173502477&mid=6240007Thomas-James&lc=1144&pid= 173502477&mid=6240007

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 20, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Monica Lijewski

February 22, 2016

Tom, I think of you often. How I envied and wondered at your spontaneity and the sheer force of your personality. Your devotion to your children was fierce--and I loved you for it. I hope your children are doing fabulously well, and that they will grow to be wonderful, capable and generous people, blessed with all the best qualities of their father.

December 26, 2014

I never met Tom - but I've been good friends with is brother Mike for over 25 years and felt like I knew the man and their other brother Bob. So sorry for the loss but find peace in the fact that Tom is with his mother in heaven and looking out for all of his family and friends here on earth until he sees them again. R.I.P and God's speed Tom!

Patricia Gil

December 25, 2014

Thinking of you on This Christmas Day - sending love and peace to your family and friends. You will be missed.

Catherine Guttmann

December 23, 2014

My prayers and thoughts are with Tom James and his family. He was a wonderful person and a great dad to his children. He will be missed but never forgotten.

Jon Hymes

December 23, 2014

I'm very saddened to learn of Tom's passing. He was good and caring man, who always spoke glowingly about his family and friends. Tom had a warm smile and the power to light up a room with energy and great humor. My deepest condolences to the family.

Deborah Wunderman

December 22, 2014

Tom James was an extraordinary individual who had so much more to give to this world! He had the heart of a lion—standing for his values and principles and never hesitating to help anyone in need. He was kind, generous, and fun-loving. He embraced life head on with equanimity and passion. Most of all, he was a devoted father. He will be sorely missed.

Bill Freeman & Patrick McMahon

December 21, 2014

Our hearts are broken. Tom was amazingly accepting and kind. He was our neighbor for 18 years. We are so very sorry for this terrible loss and his greatness will live on in all of us who had the honor to know him.

Sally Webster

December 20, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I often saw Tom when walking my dog in the neighborhood...many times we talked about cars as he was getting in his convertible with a big grin on his face.

Richard Melliand

December 18, 2014

Very sorry for your children and all who benefited from your efforts to make a difference.

Cindy Del Gallo

December 18, 2014

What a sad day when the world lost such a lovely man. But a good day for the angels. You will be missed by so many and remembered always!

Eric & Yvonne Butrick

December 17, 2014

Tom, we will miss you.

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