Thomas B. Jacquays

HERKIMER - Thomas B. Jacquays, age 71, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, April 19, 2018 at Mohawk Valley Nursing Home.

He was born on October 8, 1946 in Herkimer a son of the late Nelson and Virginia Geer Jacquays.  A lifelong area resident he attended Mohawk Central School.

For many years he worked for Smith Construction and later at Folts Home.  He retired in 2013 due to illness.  He was a member of the Morning Star United Methodist Church in Ilion .

Tom loved the outdoors , fishing at his camp in Richfield Springs or tending his vegetable garden were peaceful moments for him.

He is survived by his longtime companion and soul mate of 30 years, Connie Butler and her daughter Julie and her children, Maxine and Ryan Grogan, two sons, Jamey Jacquays and his wife Corrie, and their children Sam, Tommy and Calvin all of Ilion, Thomas Miles of Frankfort and his children Amanda and Tyler, a daughter Tammy Sue Jacquays of Mesquite, TX and her children Nicole and Dalton,  his  siblings, Eleanor Parslow and her husband Bill, Georgiann Jacquays all of Mohawk, David Jacquays his wife Jane, Jeanine Jacquays all of Ilion, many nieces, and nephews.  Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister ,  Geraldine Jacquays – Winter brothers, Robert, Roger and Angelo Jaquays, and Max Grogan.

Tom was a man who would speak his mind, regardless of who was listening.  He would ask for forgiveness before asking for permission. "Big Tom" was the man you wanted by your side in a figh t or would fear if he wasn't.  He became the man who would give you the food off his plate, and before you left offer you more from his kitchen.  Anyone who knew Tom appreciated his sometimes questionable but amazing humor.  Tom would make you laugh on your worst days, even if you didn' t think you would be able t o smile.  T om was hardworking, trustworthy and cared more about others than he did himself.  Even duri ng his last days he put those he loved above and before himself.  His heart was big ger than his fists .  If you knew Tom, you loved Tom.  He will forever be greatly missed by those who had the pleasure to know him.

Funeral Service will be held on Sunday, April 29, at 1:00 pm at the Moring Star United Methodist Church, Acme Road, Frankfort, with th e Reverend Robert C. Wollaber, officiating.   There are no calling hours.

Memorial donations may be made to the American Lung Association, or the Herkimer Humane Society.  Envelopes will be available at the church.  Funeral arrangements are with Fenner Funeral Home, Inc. Herkimer.