Jesse C. Tom

**In Loving Memory: Jesse C. Tom (January 10, 1930 – April 18, 2025)**

Jesse C. Tom, a proud veteran, community activist, and loving patriarch, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2025, at Heritage Springs in Muncy, PA surrounded by the cherished embrace of his family. At 95 years of age, Jesse leaves behind a legacy defined by resilience, service, and a deep commitment to his roots, and Aloha. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Jesse was the son of the late Yau Kan Tom and Julia (Hipa) Tom, and the last surviving of 12 children. Growing up in the mountains above Waikiki in the Pu'u nui neighborhood, his childhood was transformed in an instant on that fateful day in 1941. While playing with his friends, an unexpected roar filled the sky—the unmistakable sound of enemy planes marching overhead during the attack on Pearl Harbor. That shocking moment, with fireballs illuminating the sky, marked the end of innocence and the beginning of a lifelong story of courage and endurance.

Jesse’s formative years were interwoven with profound loss and strength. Having lost his father at the age of 12 and his mother at 18, he persevered by drawing upon the lessons of endurance gleaned from his early life experiences and learning cultural practices as he was raised by his older sisters. A proud graduate of King Kamehameha High School (Even though there are plenty stories of him skipping class when surf was good), he enlisted in the Army. Serving with the elite 11th Airborne Division during the Korean War, Jesse was a small contingency chosen to drop in and set up vital radio operations behind enemy lines—a mission that tested him both physically and mentally.

After his honorable military service, Jesse returned to Hawaii, but not one to sit still for long and wanting adventure, destiny brought him together with the love of his life, Ethel Mae (Levan) Tom. The two married in 1953, sharing a deep and enduring bond that lasted until Ethel’s passing in 2005. In 1959, Jesse and Ethel moved to the mainland to support Ethel’s mother in the aftermath of her stepfather’s tragic mining accident. They eventually put down roots in Weatherly and later Beaver Meadows, creating a home filled with love, cherished traditions, and a strong sense of ohana. Surviving are their “Hapai” (Biological) children; Jesse Kuana Tom and his wife Melanie (Hansen) of Enterprise, UT, John Ku’uipo Tom and his wife Lou Ann (Miller) of Montoursville, PA, Paul Moana "Sumo" Tom of Cedar Hills UT, Sharlene Puanani Wishwanick and her husband Walter of Dillsburg, PA; While raising their biological children, Jesse and Ethel also brought into their home 4 “Hanai” (Adopted/Fostered) Hawaiian children, Theresa K. Majors (Deceased), Sargent K. Majors of Wyoming, Jayme L. Majors of Wyoming, Anthony K. Majors and his wife Suzanne (Masyado) of Riverside, PA . Their legacy spans 34 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and 12 great-great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Deeply devoted to his community, Jesse worked as a tradesman instructor at the former White Haven Center. He was one of the founding members of the Weatherly Knee-Hi Football program, the Weatherly High School Football Program, and had a self-defense academy teaching methods now known as MMA. His years in the marshal arts field were passed on to his son, Paul “Sumo” who has maintained a career in it, owning his own academy in Utah. A talented ukulele and guitar player, Jesse often stepped on stage with his “Hania” nephew, Don Ho—the renowned Hawaiian pop singer best known for "Tiny Bubbles"—whenever he returned home. His love for music carried through to his children, as all were members of the former Highlanders Junior Drum & Bugle Corps, and other bands, corps, and groups. Kuana continues to carry the entertainment and music torch obtaining a degree in Audio Production. Jesse (known as “Mickey” to his family in Hawai’i) was also adventurous in the Equestrian field, having owned many horses over the years, and competing alongside his children in numerous trail rides and competitions. His daughter Sharlene continues in that tradition having horses of her own and spending much time riding.

Driven by his deep commitment to scouting and youth development, Jesse served as a Scout Leader and 4-H advisor, instilling in others a profound appreciation for community, cultural pride, and the enduring power of shared stories. His unwavering integrity and steadfast Mormon faith—rooted in the belief that ‘we are all sons and daughters of God, with the potential to grow in this life and beyond to become like our Heavenly Father’—left an indelible mark on countless lives.

In his retirement, Jesse found joy in the energy of volleyball. His passion for coaching was passed on to his son, Ku’uipo who he mentored in coaching and in addition to football, also taught him the game of volleyball. Jesse became a fixture in the stands at Susquehanna University where Ku’uipo, served as head women’s volleyball coach for over two decades after retiring from a 25 year career with the Pennsylvania State Police. His booming voice—calling out 'Bam!'; just as a spike was about to occur—became a signature sound in the gym.

The hanai children of Jesse and Ethel went on their own paths through life, with all eventually moving out of PA, with the exception of Anthony, who Jesse lovingly referred to as, “the flea”, being the youngest and smallest of the family. Tony stayed in the area and eventually went into serving his community as a prison guard. He now works as a courier for Geisinger Medical Center.

Hanai daughter Jayme resides out west and drives commercial vehicle.

Jesse’s life was a tapestry of courage, community, and service. From witnessing the historic events at Pearl Harbor in his youth to shaping lives as an esteemed mentor, coach, musician, and community leader, his legacy inspires all who were fortunate to know him. His lifelong journey remains an indelible reminder of how love, resilience, anda passion for heritage can guide a life well-lived.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Philip J. Jeffries Funeral Home & Cremation Services, located at 211 First Street, Weatherly, Pennsylvania 18255 (570) 427-4231.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 25, 2025, at 11o'clock A.M. from the funeral home, with friends welcome from 9:00 A.M. until the time of services.

Entombment will follow at Calvary R.C.C. Cemetery, 49 South Hunter Hwy, Drums, Pennsylvania 18222.

In honor of Jesse's rich Hawaiian heritage and the vibrant spirit he embodied , the family kindly requests that attendees wear bright and island attire as a celebratory nod to his life and the sunlit landscapes of his childhood and the enduringwarmth he shared with all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Jesse's honor to The Pauahi

Foundation, the fundraising arm of Kamehameha Schools, his beloved alma mater in the class known as The Great ‘48. Donations can be made online at https://pauahi.org/donate or via mail to 567 South King Street, Suite 160, Honolulu, Hawai‘i 96813-3036.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.griffithsfuneralhomes.com