Thomas L. Jones of Smithfield died peacefully on Saturday, April 14, 2018 with his loving partner of 32 years at his side.  He was born in Maine on June 29, 1957, and was preceded in death by his mother and father, Thomas and Kazuko Kumagai Jones.  He leaves his daughter, Amanda Jones of Albuquerque, N.M.; and two brothers, Frank Jones, and wife Tonya and son Mathew, of Williamsburg, and Don Jones and wife Mary Carol of Hampton.

He began his career in the culinary field when he was 14 and decided that’s what he wanted to pursue.  He was nominated and awarded to be included in the1985 book of “Outstanding Young Men of America.”  He was awarded certificates of excellence in various divisions of corporate food service and won regional and national acclaim for his culinary skills.  He served as restaurant manager and executive chef for several restaurants and large corporate hotels in Newport News, Williamsburg and Northern Virginia.  The past 15 years he was the executive chef with his partner, Virgie King of Smithfield, at their café,  The Deli Basket, in Hilton Village.  He loved serving his customers, bantering with them or telling them stories, always with a cheerful smile.  

We will all miss the joy he brought to all that met him.

There will be a private celebration of his life at their home in Smithfield at a later date.  

Service arrangements are in the care of Colonial Funeral Home, 14214 Carrollton Blvd. Carrollton.  Family and friends are encouraged to share condolences and remembrances at colonialfuneralhomesmithfield.com.