by Royce Bell

Upon hearing the news of the death of one who had been the scourge of David’s life following the death of Saul, David said of Abner, “Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?” (2 Samuel 3:38).  If David could use these words to describe the man who had done so much damage to David, even as Abner worked to further the interests of Saul, how much more true would these words be, when spoken on the occasion of the death of one who was as beloved as Tom Jones?

I first met Tom Jones several years ago, when Lee and I came to San Bernardino to work with the Mountain View church.  At the time, Tom was the very picture of good health, although I realize he was struggling with some health issues, even that far back.  He was a big man with a big heart.  His smile was genuine and his handshake was that of a real man, confident in his bearing and congenial in every respect.

Several specific memories occur as I write this short note, but one of the most vivid is of the time Tom came to me and shared his vision for the church.  Among the matters on his agenda was a deep-seated determination to upgrade our facility. He felt, at the very core of his being—and with considerable experience as a businessman—that we need a building which is more appropriate to our needs and with easier access by the members who were driving in on the freeways.

It is no wonder he felt this way, since his wife, Margaret (and her sister, Geneva Wolf), had roots that went deep into the history of this church.  I have no doubt that, had Tom Jones enjoyed good health in the last years of his life, we might well be on our way to even greater things. Tom was truly a man who influenced by the power of his life and evident interest in the cause of the Lord. Tom was good man and decent.  He was kind and gentle, devoted and worthy.  I hope to see him again, when God calls all of us to His presence.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday, December 31, at Mountain View Cemetery.  Tom’s sons-in-law, Dave Orman and Randy Swaim, Ph.D. will officiate.  We ask the blessings of the Lord on Margaret and her entire family, in their grief.