Tommy Elbridge Jasper

Tommy Elbridge Jasper, known affectionately to friends and family as Tom, was a man who lived life with the kind of infectious zest that could light up a room faster than a mischievous grin. Born on August 22, 1952, in the sunny climes of Norwalk, California, Tom took his final bow on October 22, 2024, in Glendale, Arizona, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. Tom's early years in Norwalk were filled with the kind of adventures that would later fuel his legendary stories-stories that could stretch longer than a California summer day. A natural comedian, he'd recount tales with a twinkle in his eye, each punchline delivered with the timing of a seasoned pro. Though he left us at the age of 72, the chapters of Tom's life are penned in the laughter he left echoing in our hearts. Those who knew Tom will recall that he never really met a stranger, just friends he hadn't joked with yet. His family was his pride and joy, and though he now joins his late parents, Lois and William "Bill" Jasper, his legacy lives on through his daughters-Stephanie Borra, Sarah Rivera, Eileen Ironstar, Chloe Weirich-and stepdaughters Mary Weirich and Farrell Ortiz. His grandchildren and a parade of cousins also carry the torch of his memory, each of them having been the subject of at least one or two of Tom's playful jests. Professionally, Tom could be found behind the wheel as an auction lot car transporter, a role that had him zipping around with the excitement of a kid at a carnival. His resume also boasted a colorful array of odd jobs that he would describe as "professional experience in the university of life," each one providing material for his unofficial side gig as the family comedian. When he wasn't working, Tom was a man of simple pleasures and grand adventures. He enjoyed going to Pow-Wows, where he could be found admiring the vibrant traditions. Camping and fishing were his go-to activities for unwinding, though the fish might argue they were the ones getting a break. Family BBQs were his stage, where he served up laughs as easily as he flipped a burger, and trips to the casino were his version of playing the stock market-always a gamble, but infinitely more entertaining. Friendly, funny, and loving are words that only scratch the surface of describing Tom. He greeted life's challenges with a chuckle and faced adversity with a joke, believing that if you could laugh at it, you could survive it. To have known Tom was to know the warmth of true friendship. He was the kind of person who would offer you the shirt off his back, then make a wisecrack about it. His humor was a gift that unwrapped itself in every encounter, leaving a lasting impression that will continue to bring smiles to faces for years to come.
As we bid farewell to Tommy Elbridge Jasper, let's not say goodbye but rather, "See you later," because a man like Tom never really leaves. He lives on in the chuckles at family dinners, the giggles at Casino, and the huffs and puffs when someone lands a fish and tells a tale that might be just a tad exaggerated. So, here's to Tom-a man who was not just the life of the party but the heart of his family, a rolling stone that gathered no moss but plenty of fond memories. May his stories continue to be told, his jokes retold, and his laughter reverberate in our lives forevermore.