James Thomas Gazaway

June 17, 1945 – January 2, 2025

James Thomas Gazaway (“Tom”) of Lemon Grove, CA passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at the age of 79. He was born to JB and Julia Ann Gazaway on June 17, 1945 in Andrews, TX.

Tom earned degrees in Math and Physics from New Mexico Highlands University and was drafted for the Vietnam War at age 24. He served six years in the Navy as an electronics instructor. His son Keith was born at Naval Station Great Lakes in 1972 to Tom’s first wife, Betty. The Navy brought them to San Diego a year later where Tom served briefly on the U.S.S. Barbey.

As a civilian, Tom worked mainly as a communication systems engineer improving radio coverage across southern California for emergency responders. He worked for Motorola for 32 years before he retired in 2011.

Tom was active in the various churches he attended, serving in audio, music, teaching, and prayer. He spent years compiling a parallel account of the four gospels. He loved woodworking, country gospel music, playing the piano, and dancing.

On January 22, 2000, Tom married his “forever dance partner” Judith Filipponi. Aside from dancing and traveling, they were passionate about their cats, and they fostered dozens of cats and kittens at their home in Lemon Grove over the course of 25 years.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jerry B. Gazaway, and his sister Barbara “Boby” Harris. He is survived by his wife Judy; his son Keith of Santee, CA; his step-daughter Julia of Millsboro, DE; his step-daughter Dawn; and six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.

Interment with military honors will be held at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego in February.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5