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Thomas Joyner Obituary
In 1969, Tom earned a spot in the DGA Assistant Directors Training Program, which led to regular work for Universal Studios. He worked as 2nd Assistant Director (AD) on Duel, director Steven Spielberg's first feature film. After The Sugarland Express, Tom Joyner became 1st AD on the blockbuster movie that changed Hollywood history: Jaws. Working now as an Assistant Director, Unit Production Manager(UPM), or Executive Producer, Tom Joyner continued delivering classic American movies: High Plains Drifter, Jaws 2, More American Graffiti, Blues Brothers, Starman, Poltergeist II, Against All Odds, Tender Mercies, The Color of Money, Good Morning Vietnam, Three Men and a Baby, The Bodyguard, and more. Tom worked as Executive Production Manager for Walt Disney Pictures (1985-1987), and later Vice President of Feature Production at Warner Bros. (1990-1996). In 1999, he received the DGA's Frank Capra's Achievement Award for contributions to his profession and the Guild.
Tom is survived by his wife Laura, daughter Dawn (Christian Counselor), son Christopher (musician), and grandchildren Brandon Roby, and Nickolaus Ellsworth.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the National Kidney Foundation would be appreciated.
A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Joyner
James Barton
October 27, 2024
he was a great friend in High School, He helped my friend Lou Syler later in life as a favor to me. May God bless him and his family.
Cheryl and Charles Dabney
June 10, 2023
To the Joyner family, our hearts and prayers are with youWe knew Tom with our visit to LA and Denver and we loved Tom the first time we met him. We kept tabs on all the movies that Tom had his hands on as my childhood friend would inform us of what Tom was up to. What a lost to that Industry. I pray God gives this family the strength and good health to carry on. God Bless them and May their Tom, Dad, and Granddad "Rest in Peace"
ELIAS P. ONTIVEROS
March 19, 2023
Mr. Joyner was generous with his time in speaking to aspiring filmmakers. He served as a consultant with a short film I worked on titled The Stooge shot here in Los Angeles. He was a great man, a brilliant/legendary filmmaker and shall be greatly missed.
ELIAS P. ONTIVEROS
Els and Bruce Johnson
March 14, 2023
Tom, thank you for your generous spirit. We will miss your wisdom and the pleasant afternoons spent in your kitchen.
Erika L. Ganier
March 13, 2023
What a beautifully written obituary for beautifully lived man. Blessings, always, and my condolences.
His Daughter Min. Dawn
March 13, 2023
To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Well done my good and faithful servant... Now take your eternal rest.
To the family of this great man, you have my deepest sympathies and prayers
Judy Klein
March 12, 2023
One of the kindest, classiest, most down-to-earth humans I have ever had the pleasure and blessing of knowing: a great talent and a great man with a great family. My love and prayers for strength, and healing go out to the Joyner Family. Thank you for sharing him with me and all of us.
Rogelio Fojo
March 12, 2023
It will be continue to be impossible for me to watch "Jaws" without thinking of my talented friend Tom... the great fish tale now spoiled by his loss. RIP.
Karmello & Horace Coleman
March 12, 2023
Joanne Robbins
March 12, 2023
Tom was a sweet and caring man. One of the very nicest people I have ever known. It was an honor to have known him. Deepest condolences to Laura, Dawn, Chris and all his family and friends. He had a life well lived.
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Memorial Events
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