Thomas Watson Jolly, age 95, started his new adventure at the Spanish Peaks Veterans Community Living Center on April 22, 2022. Tom was born March 11, 1927, in Gray Creek, Colorado to Robert M. and Fannie Jane Jolly. On February 23, 1952, he married Edna Faye Springer. They lived in Pueblo, Colorado for a few years until they moved east of Aguilar to our Mom’s childhood home, which is now known as the TWJ Ranch. Together they raised seven children. Tom is preceded in death by Edna, son Robert, father and mother, sisters Jeannie Jolly and Catherine Broyles, brother James and great granddaughter Toni Jean Alley. Tom is survived by two daughters, Jane (Jim) Quartiero, and Elizabeth (Jim) Hopper; four sons, Jeffrey, Daniel, Clarence (Tina Fransua), and Thomas Owen. Tom is survived by a brother, William, sister-in-law, Angelina Springer, and daughter-in-law, Donna (Robert) Jolly. He is also survived by thirteen grandchildren, twelve great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Tom joined the Army and served in the European Theater and occupied Japan from June 1945 to November 1946. He fought in Korea from February 1949 to June 1952. He was honorably discharged at the rank of Sergeant. Tom and his brother Bill passed each other on the ocean as Tom was leaving Korea and Bill was going to Korea. He always said he saw his brother on the deck of the passing ship. Among his decorations, medals, badges, commendations, and campaign ribbons were: The army of Occupation Medal (Japan), World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem-3 Overseas Bars, Korean Service Medal with 5 Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Bronze Star and the United Nations Service Medal. On June 15th, 2019, he and other areas Korean War Veterans were awarded the South Ambassador for Peace Medal. He felt honored in receiving this medal. Tom worked at the Colorado Fuel and Iron steel mill, Walsenburg Sand and Gravel, Las Animas County and was a rancher. Tom enjoyed going out to dinner with family and friends. He loved to galavant around with Mom and visit with friends. He had a conventional sense of humor. Tom was hard-headed and continued to ride his horse up until he was 85. If there is one thing we can all agree upon when it comes to our Dad is this: He did it his way and only his way. Be it right or be it wrong. Graveside services will be held at the Jolly Family Cemetery at the TWJ Ranch on Co Rd 61.0 on June 4th, 2022 at 11:00. Stanley White will be officiating. Refreshments will be held at the ranch house following services.
Arrangements were made under the direction of the Comi Funeral Home.
