Thomas P. Jones

Tom was born and went to school in Scarborough and never lost his fondness for Yorkshire. Tom was a devoted husband of Betty, father of Stephen, Wendy and Tim, grandfather of their ten children, and great grandfather of two great grandchildren and was looking forward to seeing his third expected great grandchild. 

After school Tom was called to National Service, where for a period he was secretary to Major General Sir Stuart Menzies (ex-Chief of MI6), and developed his love for education through teaching literacy to servicemen. He studied Physical Education at Loughborough College of Education from 1955 to 1958. Thereafter, he taught at schools in Guildford and Hull, and at Matlock College of Education. During this period, he also completed his MSc at Leeds University. He was awarded a centenary Honorary Degree in 2009 by Loughborough University.

Tom was appointed a Lecturer at Loughborough College of Education in 1971, later advancing to the position of a Senior Lecturer and was appointed Head of Loughborough University’s Physical Education, Sports Science and Recreation Management  Department in 1995, and remained in this position until he retired in September 1999.

Tom’s family connection with Loughborough University remains strong. Two of his grandchildren and a nephew graduated from Loughborough University and his great nephew and great niece are currently undergraduates of Loughborough University.

Tom was an external examiner at both Exeter University and Birmingham University for a number of years. He was also an active participant in the programme for the British Universities North America Club (BUNAC) regularly visiting camps and supporting students working in summer camps in the USA.  He was also instrumental in the development of Loughborough University’s strong connections with the National University of Singapore.

Tom was heavily involved in Loughborough Students’ Rugby. He was captain of Loughborough Colleges Vandals XV (1957-58), the second XV of Loughborough Colleges. This was during a period when the Loughborough Colleges became one of the leading rugby clubs in the Midlands, won the U.A.U. Championship four years in succession from 1956 to 1959, and won the Middlesex 7’s. Tom was Chairman and Fixture Secretary of Loughborough Students RFC for many years and tour manager of the Club’s first tour of the USA in 1979, where the Club won the Monterey National Tournament. Tom played a major part in the development of the Club and was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Club in 2022.

Tom was a keen sportsman who played representative rugby and tennis in Yorkshire, and cricket and golf, before he devoted much of his spare time encouraging and supporting his children and grandchildren in their various educational and sporting endeavours.  Following retirement, Tom and Betty relocated to Worcestershire to be closer to family and travelled extensively.

Tom was extremely proud of the 31 years he spent studying and teaching at Loughborough University and cherished the achievements of many exceptional colleagues and students.