TJ Class of 1965
- Richmond, Virginia -
60th CLASS REUNION WAS ANOTHER GREAT ONE
OCTOBER 10 - 12, 2025
***See
the fun
and see who came by clicking here!***
(Pictures and videos from the weekend are now posted)
Click here for the Tee Jay Vikings Fund website
The Tee Jay Vikings Fund is a charitable, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization EIN#(45-5164961) that focuses on philanthropic/financial support and interest in Thomas Jefferson High School scholastics, athletics, music, arts and science.
Dear fellow alumni and friends,,
I'm so excited to share with you a photo of the new TJ auditorium curtains installed on Nov. 18th of 2025. The Tee Jay Vikings Fund was able to purchase and install the $20,000 curtains due the generous donations of alumni, neighbors, and friends of Tee Jay. THANK YOU, DONORS! I stopped by TJ on Wednesday afternoon and they are first rate!
For more information about the Vikings Fund go to Tee Jay Vikings Fund – Richmond, Virginia
Go Vikings
Russell Flammia
TJ Class of '62
TJ Teacher '66-'2000
TJ Tutor '2001-2020
TJ Vikings Board 2012-present
Updated Nov. 2022
and stories from classmates who served our Country
(Click on the link above)
Click on the link above to view "old" classmate news.
From Your Tee Jay Vikings Fund
Please consider a contribution via our website ( https://teejayvikingsfund.org/donations/tjvf/
) or by mail to: “Tee Jay Vikings Fund” at PO Box 11451, Richmond, VA 23230. The Vikings Fund is a 501 (c)(3) eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.
Classmates, Lost but not forgotten - click here
Posted since our 40th reunion - click here
If provided, obituaries may be viewed by clicking on the above link.
Arlene Messler Rogers
Arlene Messler Rogers, 78, of Henrico, Va. passed away on December 17, 2025, and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sol and Rose Messler.
Arlene is survived by her husband, William S. Rogers; her daughters, Lisa Rogerson (Rick Rickman), Sarah Ratcliffe; and grandchildren, Gillian and Reid Rickman and Sullivan Ratcliffe.
She is also survived by her two sisters, Linda Gordon (Al) and Marcia Ver Halen (Robert).
The family would like to give gratitude and thanks to Discovery Village Memory Care, Suntrust Hospice and Bliley's Funeral Home.
A graveside service was held at Greenwood Memorial Gardens on December 19, 2025, at 2 p.m.
Ronald Shaw
Ronald Lawrence Shaw
d. February 4, 2022
Born January 12, 1947, he departed this life February 4, 2022. Following his service in the US Navy, he had a successful 40-year career in the federal government. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Waddell; one daughter, Izola Shaw; several nieces, nephews and cousins; two sisters- in- law, Ramona and Gloria Shaw; one brother- in- law, David Smith Jr.(Elaine) and other relatives and friends. Funeral services will be virtual at this link https://vimeo.com/676668579. In lieu of flowers, you can make a donation to the Polycystic Kidney Disease Foundation online via: https://support.pkdcure.org/give/319374/#!/donation/checkout or go to their homepage, pkdcure.org & select the "donate" button. Lastly, you can mail a check to them at: P.O. Box 871847, Kansas City, MO 64187. Please Include "In memory of Ronald L. Shaw" with your donation.
Ronald's comments from our 45th reunion - 10-03-2010
At the TJ Class of 1965's brunch on Sunday, October 3, 2010, I spoke about Johnny
Squire (a fellow Black classmate who is deceased), who encouraged me and other Black
students at Maggie L. Walker High School (MLWHS) to test Richmond, VA's "open
school enrollment policy" in 1963. Our target high school was Thomas Jefferson High
School. There was only one Black student there during the 1962-1963 school year out of
a total student body population of approximately 2,000.
At the time, I thought this was just a test and nothing more. I was more than happy with
MLWHS. It was my second year attending a public school after attending a Catholic
parochial school (Van de Vyver – St Joseph’s Parish) from first through eighth grades. If
you ever attended a parochial school, you know of their strict discipline style, and can
relate to my elation with attending a public school. I was having a great time at school
both academically and socially. I had no idea that my life would change so much after my
sophomore year at MLWHS.
A little background: My mother died when I was eleven years old. Subsequently, my
younger brother and I stayed with my older sister in Boston during the summer months
after her death. As a result of my summering in Boston, I did not find out about my
approved transfer (via my father) until late August 1963. I remember telling my father
that we were only testing the open enrollment policy of the Richmond Public Schools,
and I would straighten out the transfer once I returned to Richmond (again in late August
1963). In this case, “straighten out” meant that I would have my transfer to TJ changed
so I would return to MLWHS in September 1963.
Well, to make a long story short, I was told that I had to spend at least one school year at
TJ before requesting another transfer. Upon hearing this news, I was not a happy camper.
I knew no one at TJ, and I had no real desire to spend my last two years in high school in
a predominantly White high school. But to paraphrase the Latin phase “Alea iacta est”,
“the die was cast”.
So, in September 1963, I prepared to attend TJ. We, the Black student testers, were told
that we weren't going to make our first day at TJ an event. We were to take the public
city bus (VTC) to school the same as any other student. We were to make this day as
normal as we possibly could.
So, Johnny Squire, Veronica Staples, Sandra Staples and I took the bus from the lower
West End of Richmond (the Bird Park area) to TJ. I remember we all got off the bus on
the corner of Monument Avenue and Westwood Avenue, and walked the block and a half
to TJ.
I remember arriving at the front of TJ. All the students were there discussing what
students discuss on their first day of school. We – The Black student testers - walked up
the stairs to the front entrance, and although the stairs were crowded with students, a path
opened to allow us to enter the school. There were no racial slurs or any derogatory
remarks made to us by the TJ students, nor were there any other outward signs denoting
that we shouldn’t be there or were not welcome there. I remember one girl and later a
boy saying to me that they thought that we were very brave, and that they didn't think that
they could do what we were doing (if they were in our place).
We – the Black student testers - were assigned classes and everything went off with no
problem whatsoever.
Although four Black kids road the city public bus to school that day, it was a total of six
Black kids who attended TJ that year; And, after that school year, Sandra Staples became
the first Black to graduate from TJ with the class of 1964. The following year, Johnny
Squire and I became the first Black males to graduate from TJ with the class of 1965.
My two years at TJ were very uneventful (a very good thing). Our fellow students
treated us with the same respect as any other student. I can't say that we had an active
social life there, but we really didn't expect that. Attending TJ was like a job. We
attended TJ for an education, and that is what we received (and, after becoming an adult
with a wide range of experience and exposure, I discovered how great an education I
obtained from TJ).
As I stated at the brunch, my daughter attended "The Park School" in Brookline,
Massachusetts (a well known private school). I remember meeting an Asian couple there
at our first parent school dinner. The husband and wife were both medical doctors in the
Boston area, and their son, Ben, was attending The Park School for the first time along
with my daughter. For some reason, we struck up a conversation, and discovered that
Ben's father was from Richmond (Ben’s grandfather owned a laundry on 2nd Street).
Ben’s father, whose name escapes me now, attended John Marshall High School. I also
remember Ben’s father saying to me after discovering that I had graduated from TJ that
he knew I could write well because TJ students always wrote very well. I'm not sure if
that applied in my case, but it was good to hear that from a rival school alumnus.
I mentioned what Ben’s father said to me to emphasize that the two years I spent at TJ
has assisted me throughout my life (both academically and professionally). I also
remember being referred to a doctor, after having trouble keeping my blood pressure in
check (Dr. Reese of Reese Associates in Brookline, Massachusetts), who was also an
alumnus of TJ. He was the first doctor that was able to keep my blood pressure under
control. Bottom line - my TJ education has helped me immensely not only in undergrad
and in law school, but also through my life’s journey.
Again, I would like to thank the alumni and faculty at TJ who were there at the time I was
there for being so "civil” and making my experience there a fruitful and pleasant learning
journey.
George Ross Scott
December 21, 1945 - August 16, 2025
George Ross Scott Sr., 79, of Richmond, Va., died peacefully at home in Richmond of natural causes on August 16, 2025.
He was born in Richmond on December 21, 1945, to Buford Scott and Mary Lowe Nixon, and was the youngest of five children. George attended St. Christopher's School, Christchurch School, Thomas Jefferson High School ('64), and VCU before embarking on a life on the water. He proudly served in the United States Navy as a Quartermaster aboard the DD-819 USS Holder in the Vietnam War before transitioning to a successful career in the maritime field. As a boat captain in Florida for many years, he chartered for fishing trips in the Atlantic and cocktail cruises on the Intercoastal Waterway. Returning to Virginia he was a member of the Virginia Yacht Club enjoying many of their cruises around the greater Chesapeake Bay area. He then transitioned to a career in yacht sales and followed a carpentry passion later in life. Other pleasures included winning several trophies as a deep sea fisherman, playing golf, cheering on the UVA Cavaliers, and skiing. He was known for his unmatched sense of humor and for bringing his scintillating energy to any gathering. Most of all George was known for his immense pride of his three children and extended family. George never hesitated to celebrate his family with enthusiasm and delight.
George was preceded in death by his brother Sidney Buford Scott and sister Margery Scott Johnson; and is survived by three children who he was very proud of: daughter Mary Nixon Scott of Richmond, Va., son George Ross Scott Jr. (Heather), grandchildren Henry George and Eleanor Kathryn of Clifton, Va., and son Frank McLean Scott (Brittany), granddaughter Amelia Jane of Richmond Hill, Ga. Also surviving George is his sister Mary Denny Wray, sister Elisabeth Scott Porter; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. George was a dear friend to many including Evan Chesterman who never hesitated to care for George in any capacity throughout his life.
A celebration of life for family and close friends will be held on October 23rd from 3 to 5 p.m., at The Country Club of Virginia. Donations in George's honor to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation or Elk Hill Farm may be made in lieu of flowers.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Sep. 7, 2025.
Paul Pacer
Paul Wayne Pacer, 78 of Columbus [Ohio]
passed away on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. There will be visitation and memorial service from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Moreland Funeral Home, 55 East Schrock Road, Westerville
[Ohio] and a celebration honoring his life at 2 p.m. at the Moose Lodge 1427, 1970 Schrock Road,
Westerville [Ohio].
To leave a condolence, please visit morelandfuneralhome.com.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Aug. 24, 2025.
Connie Pitts Grubbs
Connie Pitts Grubbs
February 13, 1947 – April 19, 2025
Connie Grubbs, 78, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on April 19, 2025.
Born the only child to Horace and Lucille Pitts, Connie spent her early years as a spirited “city girl” growing up in brownstone in downtown Richmond, VA. After graduating, she began a fulfilling career in medical imaging. Starting as an x-ray technician and advancing as a CT scan tech and MRI specialist, eventually becoming manager of several imaging centers.
In October 1992, a car accident changed the course of her life, leaving her paralyzed and wheelchair bound. Despite this, Connie remained a model of courage, hope, and resilience. As an incomplete quadriplegic, she faced many challenges but never allowed her condition to dim her light. Through it all, her devoted husband, Steven Grubbs, stood by her side, their marriage a true example of love and faithfulness in sickness and in health
In retirement, Connie brought her joy and kindness to the Bedford Public Library, where she volunteered as a greeter for over six years. She was known for her ever-present smile and the warmth that made everyone feel instantly welcomed.
Connie found joy in the simple pleasures, such as caring for others, serving her community, and watching classic films, especially those on the Turner Classic Movies channel. Connie’s ability to bring joy to those around her will be truly missed.
She is survived by the love of her life, Steven Grubbs [ her husband, Steve, passed
away unexpectedly nine days later on April 28, 2025 ]; her children Kristin Roan (husband Mark) and Kevin Grubbs (wife Jenna); her cherished grandchildren: Ryan Roan, McKay Roan, Kelton Roan, Colby Grubbs, Kennedy Grubbs, Carlee Grubbs, and Karis Grubbs; and her mother-n-law, Sadie Martin.
While we were in the process of planning funeral services for Connie Grubbs, we were met with the unexpected and heartbreaking loss of Steve Grubbs. We are now preparing to honor and celebrate both of their lives in a joint service on May 12, 2025 at First Baptist Church of Hurst, 1801 Norwood Dr, Hurst, TX 76054. A visitation (closed casket) will be held from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM followed by a service at 10:30am. A private family burial will occur later.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bedford Public Library at https://bedfordlibraryfoundation.org/
Shannon Rufe Snow Drive Funeral Chapel
6001 Rufe Snow Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76148
817-514-9100
For Older Obituaries, Click Here
For Older Obituaries, Click Here
*******************************
TJ Class of 1965 only
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or
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Become a TJ Class of 1965 Benefactor - click here
View current list of Benefactors - click here
201
7
We did it!...Again...
“Class of 65 turns 70” Event
(
August 23, 2017)Four Tops and Temptations
at Innsbrook After Hours
Music, friends, food, and more (6:00-10:00 PM)
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Click here or on the image below to be redirected to:
Innsbrook After Hours Home Page
2015
We did it!
Read and/or listen to Ned Hood's toast to the Class of 1965 - click here
***Class Photo by Classmate John Henley***
Click on picture "KEY" below to see names:
Click here for original reunion details
50th REUNION - JUNE 12 - 14, 2015
Original Invitation and RSVP - for PDF - Click here
201
2
“65 turns 65” Party
(Held June 30 and July 1, 2012)
Original Invitation <-- click here
Pictures from the party <--click here
(If you have more - send them to us)
2010
45th Reunion
(Held October 1st - 3rd, 2010)
Click here for Reunion details
Click here to see who attended
2007
“65 does 60” Birthday Party
(Held April 28, 2007)
Original Invitation <-- click here
Pictures from the party <--click here
(If you have more - send them to us)
2006
“SWEET MEMORIES” DISTRIBUTION PARTY- click here
(Held February 25, 2006)
2005
( Held October 28th, 29th, and 30th, 2005)
1985
REUNIONS
Thanks to our "historian" [Ned Hood] we have added many pictures from our 20th reunion (1985) and our 40th reunion (2005).
Check them out here:
(click on selection below)
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ARCHIVES
(Click the above link to view older articles not on Homepage)
Photos and Comments from Classmates - click here
(Last updated 07/14/2017)
TJ - Then and Now - click here
Memory Lane - Selected 1965 yearbook pictures - click here
"forty65" Archives - click here
Memorabilia Store - click here