Obituary of John W. Toms

John (Jack) Toms passed away on February 16, 2023, at age 95, after a long and full life Jack was born in Carney's Point, NJ, on December 16, 1927. He was raised in Salem, NJ, and attended Salem High School. He left school early to join the United States Army, where he served in Japan and Korea at the end of World War II. He started his career in printing at the Salem Sunbeam, which is also where he met Frances Messick, who would become his wife. He then continued his career with DuPont at their printing and publishing operation in Boothwyn, PA. After retiring from DuPont, he did not slow down. With his cousin Joe Hetzer and dear friend Joe Limosino, he built decks, some of which are still standing. He worked at Associated Printers in Pennsville, NJ, and Foxfire Printing in DE, retiring a second time at age 84, spending a total of 65 years in the printing industry. Jack lived his life with flourish and zest. He cut a stylish figure in his youth as a sharp dresser with movie star looks. He was a big fan of the classic cars of the 1950s, his favorite being the 1957 Plymouth Fury. As a young man he tried out for the local team, the Philadelphia Phillies, but his favorite team by far was the New York Yankees. He jokingly attributed his longevity to being an alien life force, likely spurred by his love of science fiction, especially Star Trek and Star Wars. After his children were born, he was a very active supporter of their activities and interests, including baseball, orchestra, marching band, and roller derby. He especially enjoyed being Pop-Pop to his grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoyed traveling, not surprisingly by car. He has crossed the country several times and made many trips to Canada. He practiced his amateur photography during these adventures. He had a lifelong love of many genres of music, but his favorite was the legendary Frank Sinatra. His favorite song was My Way, which he listened to as he passed. Jack's record collection was legendary, with albums from the crooners to the big band era, and the unfortunate love of Salsoul Orchestra's disco-themed Christmas Jollies. After the passing of his wife, Frances, in 2001, he met the wonderful and caring Mary Krough while walking around Riverview Beach Park. He had over 20 years with Mary, who enriched his life greatly and brought him so much joy. Survived by his wife, Mary Krough, children Kelly Toms (Walt Medeiros) of Belleville, Canada; Jacqueline Parrish (Judy Walton) of Lake, MI; Patrick Toms (Tiffanie) of Tucson, AZ; stepchildren Michael Krough (Stephanie) of Pennsville, NJ; and Monica Krough of Newark, DE; sisters Midge D'Orio and Edie Carney of Wilmington, DE; grandchildren Sydney Parrish, Hayden Parrish (Payeton Childers); Oden Toms; and step grandchildren Johnny Straub and Jake Straub. Predeceased by his wife of nearly forty years, Frances E. Toms; sIster Jane Tansy; mother Lillian Mitchell Gaunt; and grandparents Isaac and Mary Alice Counsellor. Following Jack's wishes, services will be private at the family's convenience. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jack's memory, memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, New York 10306. Donations may be made online at t2t.org. www.laughreyfuneralhome.com