TJ Class of 1965
- Richmond, Virginia -
GET READY - 60th CLASS REUNION
OCTOBER 10 - 12, 2025 WEEKEND
If this is the first you've heard about
it, then we probably don't have your correct contact information.
Please click on [Classmate Information Update
Form - click here ] and email us your current email, etc.
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.
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.
We hope that 2024 has been a good year for you and your family.
This was another banner year for TJ as the school became fully accredited, football completed another undefeated regular season, and the band won numerous trophies in competition. Some of The Vikings Fund’s accomplishments include:
• Our students needed meals when participating in extracurriculars, especially at away games, so we provided nearly 1,000 meals from Mr. Submarine.
• We awarded two scholarships to graduating seniors for the sixth consecutive year. 2024’s winners of the $2,000 scholarships are studying at Howard and Norfolk State. We are currently raising funds for the Class of 2025 scholarships.
• We celebrated our teachers and staff with box lunches from Padow’s (owned by a TJ alum) during Teacher Appreciation Week in May and before school began in August. We also provided teaching supplies.
• In the Spring, we partnered with the basketball teams to purchase a Shoot-A-Way basketball shooting machine.
• In the Fall, we partnered with the band to purchase 45 wind suits.
• We partnered with TeeJay Live (the student media club) to purchase a new camera.
• We continued our support of the Library Reading Program by providing Amazon Gift Cards for the monthly and yearly winners.
• We purchased new whiteboards for multiple classrooms.
• We purchased footballs for the football team and helped fund their participation in two summer camps.
We are so grateful to our loyal and new supporters. All of this was possible due to your generosity. THANK YOU!
As 2024 comes to an end, we hope you will continue your support of TJ students, faculty, and staff. We look forward to a great year in 2025 and wish you a happy and prosperous new year.
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.
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
Joyce Ann Windle Harrison
Joyce Harrison Obituary
Harrison, Joyce Ann (Windle), 78, passed away peacefully on February 13, 2025, in Mechanicsville, Virginia.
Born on May 28, 1946, in Richmond, Virginia, Joyce grew up across the street from Pine Street Baptist Church, a place that always held a special meaning for her. Her unwavering faith provided her with comfort and confidence throughout her life, and she faced her final days with strength and bravery.
Joyce had a deep passion for baking and found immense joy in preparing meals for others. Nothing made her happier than seeing family and friends gathered around enjoying her cooking. She also had a warm and social nature, always eager to meet new people and form lasting friendships within her neighborhood. Her kindness and generosity were evident in the way she cared for those around her, always offering support and love to those who needed it most.
She is survived by her son Kevin (Mary Jane) and daughter Shelley (Kendrick), as well as her sister Marie, brother-in-law Bobby (Deanie), step-grandson Hector (Brittney), step-granddaughter Stephanie, great grandchildren Isabella and Oliver and nieces Vickie (Steve) and Jenny and her beloved cat, Harriett. Joyce also leaves behind many cherished friends who include Kenny and Ellen Stevens, John and Dee Christian, Sherry and Jim Williams, and Carolynn Dean and extended family members and cherished pets who will miss her dearly. She is now reunited in Heaven with her beloved son Harry Jr., brother-in-law, Richard, her step-grandson, Jonathan, her nephew, Bobby Jr., and her mother, Mary and father, Alfred.
A memorial service to honor Joyce’s life will be held on March 01, 2025 at noon with a viewing to precede from 10:00AM to 12:00PM at Monaghan Funeral Home, 7300 Creighton Pkwy, Mechanicsville, Virginia, 23111.
Joyce’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to the American Cancer Society.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on
Feb. 23, 2025.
Richard "Dickie" Peyton
(Although he didn't graduate with the TJ class of '65, he was a member of our class all the way until his parents decided to send him to private military school his senior year. He then attended The University of South Carolina to be close to his tennis buddies and TJ grads Henry Ragel and James Denoon.)
Richard C Peyton, Jr.
March 12, 1947 - March 14, 2025
Richard C. Peyton, Jr. passed away on
March 14, 2025. Richard ("Dickie" to many) was born on
March 12, 1947. Richard had an extraordinary life, although he
was not one to talk much about it.
Richard grew up in Richmond, Virginia,
the son of Richard C. Peyton, Sr. and Carolyn Rogers Peyton.
Richard has one sister, Valerie Peyton Horn.
Richard was a champion junior tennis
player and was a member of the varsity tennis team at the
University of South Carolina. After college, Richard became a
tennis pro in Maui, Hawaii, first at the John Newcombe Royal
Lahaina Tennis Ranch and then at the Maui Hyatt. Richard spent
seven years in Maui, and often remarked how much he loved his
time in Maui.
Richard left Maui to coach Bill Scanlon
on the professional tennis circuit. During his tenure as coach,
Scanlon rose to a high ranking of Number 9 in the world, with
wins over John McEnroe, including at the 1983 US Open.
Richard returned to his hometown,
Richmond, in 1984. He was the co-founder of a sports marketing
firm, based in Richmond, World Class, Inc., which, among other
things, put on tennis exhibitions and tournaments throughout the
country. Among the events Richard was instrumental in producing
were tennis exhibition matches involving Bjorn Borg and Jimmy
Connors, and senior tennis tournaments including Ken Rosewall
and Roy Emerson. Richard also co-produced a pre-season NBA game
in Columbia, S.C. in 1984 between the Philadelphia 76ers (then
world champions) and the Denver Nuggets. The game featured many
stars, including Dr. J, Moses Malone, and Charles Barkley (who
was playing his very first game as a professional) and was
played to a sold-out Carolina Coliseum. Richard also brought the
popular Celebrity Golf Tournament to Richmond for several years
in the 1990's.
In 2006, Richard was named head varsity
tennis coach at St. Christopher's School in Richmond. In 2007,
he was named head varsity coach at St. Catherine's School. For
the next 18 years, Richard remained as head coach of both
schools, with both of his teams winning numerous state titles.
The St. Christopher's team has won 5 consecutive state titles,
entering the 2025 season. Richard always said coaching at St.
Christopher's and St. Catherine's was by far the best job he
ever had because he got to mentor so many wonderful young women
and young men. He also greatly enjoyed working side-by-side with
his long-time assistant coach, Pontus Hiort.
Richard was fun-loving, optimistic, and
always positive. He touched countless lives. He had many close
friends, some of whom developed life-long relationships with
him. He is survived by his sister, Valerie Horn, and his
nephews, Austin R. Horn and Peyton C. Horn.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may
be made to The Richmond Tennis Association, benefitting junior
tennis development in Richmond, Virginia through the Richard
Peyton Memorial Tennis Fund. Contributions can be made to:
Richmond Tennis Association (501(c)(3) organization), P.O. Box
17612, Richmond, Virginia 23226.
A memorial service will be held on
Saturday, April 5, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at the St. Christopher's
School Memorial Chapel, with a Celebration of Life to follow
immediately thereafter at the school.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on
Mar. 23, 2025.
Elizabeth Cox Thompson
Elizabeth Cox Thompson
June 21, 1947 - March 16, 2025
Elizabeth Cox Thompson (Betty) passed away on March 16th, 2025. Betty is survived by her devoted husband William E. Thompson (Bill), her children. Beth Thompson (Francesca), Billy Thompson, Beverly Smith (Hal), Kerrie DiStanlo (Jeff) and her grandchildren Sydney Smith, Ella DiStanlo, Cameron Smith and Matthew DiStanlo. Her parents preceded her in death, Carlton D. Cox (Doug) and M. Ellen Cox (Ellen). Betty was a lifelong resident of Richmond. Betty and Bill grew to love Naghead where they had a second home for many years and spent lots of time there with their children and grandchildren building wonderful memories. Betty spent many years in service at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, as part of the Foundation helping with event planning that supported the Arts in Richmond. Betty was also an entrepreneur and had her own business with Bill, Classic Touch Catering. Betty's biggest legacy is the best wife, daughter and mother to her family. She will be greatly missed!!
The service will be held on Thursday, March 20th, visitation at 11:30 and Funeral at 12:30 then a grave side service. Affinity Funeral Home on 2720 Enterprise Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Rick Sharp Alzheimer's Foundation,9020 Stony Point Parkway, Suite 180, Richmond, VA 23235.
Forrest Mann Terrell
Forrest Mann Terrell
December 12, 1946 — January 28, 2023
Porterville
Our family’s hope has been that he would still be with us, but it was not to be according to our wishes. Forrest Mann Terrell left this mortal existence on January 28, 2023 after a recent illness.
Forrest Mann Terrell was born December 12, 1946 in Richmond, Virginia to Forrest Winn Terrell and Anne Pauline Cox Terrell. His early life was lived in the childhood freedom in the country areas around Richmond. He enjoyed animals and even had a small chicken delivery business as a youth. His brother Ken and sister Sherry joined the family and they moved to Richmond.
When Forrest was fourteen years old, the family joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Richmond. He became friends with Martha (Marcie) Eitel there. After graduation from Thomas Jefferson High School, where he participated in the cadet corps honor guard and military band, he attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. He and Marcie were married in the Salt Lake City Temple and he continued his education with a master’s degree in geology. Employment with Mountain Fuel Supply took him to Denver, Colorado. He loved being a field geologist and later joined the management team so he could spend more time with the family. He later became the Denver Division Manager.
Three sons joined the family: Michael, Eric, and Richard. The family moved to Farmington, Utah when Forrest was transferred to the Wexpro portion of Mt. Fuel. They later built a home in Morgan and raised llamas and goats. He loved animals and gardening. Forrest enjoyed serving in the church in many callings. He and Marcie enjoyed being service missionaries together in Ogden, Utah. Forrest also had an ongoing interest in Amateur Radio and participated in many Ham Radio nets and events in the community. A recent new interest was learning classical guitar and playing fun duets.
Forrest is survived by his wife, Marcie, sons Michael, Eric (Derika), Richard, five grandchildren (Tiaunna, Aria, Camden, Kiaralei, and Gaden Terrell), a sister Sherry (Jeff) Byiers, sisters-in-law Carole Terry, Diane (Bill) Lifferth, many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, and his younger brother Ken. Appreciation is given to the care given Forrest from professionals from Ogden Regional Medical Center and Atlas Hospice.
Forrest will always be remembered for his gentle, quiet, and thoughtful ways. On January 20, 2023, with great effort, he wrote “My Testament”: “In the beginning, Marcie and I chose to make Christ first in our lives. It has made all the difference in our lives. All good things have come from that decision and still do—the plan of salvation being one of the most critical.”
So, to our well-loved gentle giant of a man—we love you and we will be reunited again.
The funeral service for Forrest will be February 2 (Thursday), 2023 at 11 am, at the Porterville Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 2700 South Morgan Valley Drive, Morgan, Utah. Viewing is one hour prior to the service. Interment in the South Morgan Cemetery.
Milton P. Chick
Milton P. Chick
Age 78, of Richmond, passed away Tuesday, February 4, 2025. He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil C. and Muriel Stanley Chick; siblings, Eunice C. Myers, Atwell Chick, and Alvin Chick; and nephew, Larry Nelsen. Milton is survived by six nieces and nephews, James E. Nelsen (Janice), Deborah Smith, Kenneth Ezzell (Wendy), Donna Ezzell, Linda Khelfa (Chad), and David Chick; as well as numerous extended nieces and nephews.
He was a 1965 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Milton was proud to have served in the US Army, including a tour in Viet Nam with the 9th Infantry Division at Bearcat Base 1968. After his military service, he received his Bachelors in Accounting from VCU. Milton retired after 28 years of service as an Auditor with the IRS. His passion for photography was both a hobby and part-time job in retirement.
The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 pm Tuesday at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2025. Interment will follow in Westhampton Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer's Association at alz.org.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on
Billy and Kitty Bayliss's daughter
We are deeply saddened by the sudden loss of our dear Crandall, who passed away on January 31, 2025. Born on August 29th, 1976, to William and Catherine Bayliss in Richmond, VA, Crandall attended St. Catherine's School, graduating in 1994. A naturally gifted athlete, she rode horses, played tennis, and was on the dive team throughout her childhood and high school years.
After St. Catherine's, Crandall attended the University of Virginia, where she met the love of her life, Justin Thompson. They graduated in 1998 and married the following summer, beginning their life together. After working for a few years, Crandall and Justin started a family, raising three incredible children. She dedicated her life and talents to her children, watching them play sports, especially tennis, and cheering them on as they advanced through the ranks. She was immensely proud of all their accomplishments, always their number one fan, celebrating their highs, consoling them during their lows, and encouraging them to do their best no matter what. Crandall was fair, honest, and kind, and she was most proud to see these traits embodied in her children.
Crandall was an instructor at Rock Steady Boxing, where she thrived teaching classes to those battling Parkinson's disease. Their infectious positivity inspired her every day. She was a member of the Country Club of Virginia, where she enjoyed working out and socializing with group exercise classmates and instructors. She was also a member of The Women's Club. Crandall loved country music, the beach, UVA sports, and above all, her family.
Crandall is survived by her husband of 25 years, Justin Shane Thompson; her children, William Delaney, Sarah McKinley, and Claiborne Marie; her parents, William Delaney and Catherine Moss Bayliss; her sister Tucker Bayliss Deal (Wyatt); her in-laws William McKinley Thompson III and Susan Roenick Thompson; her brothers-in-law, William McKinley Thompson IV (Beni) and Micah Sean Thompson (Debbie); her nieces, Alayna Thompson, Isabella Thompson, Madeline Thompson, Delaney Deal, and Libby Deal; her nephews, Coleman Thompson, Noah Thompson, Christian Thompson, and Aiden Thompson; her aunts, Jane Lambert (Paul) and Betsy Moss; and her uncles, Robert Moss, Robert Bayliss (Patricia), and George Bayliss (Heather); and a host of cousins whom she dearly loved. Crandall is preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Helen Moss and George and Polly Bayliss, and her aunt, Nancy Moss German.
Crandall was truly the best daughter, sister, wife, aunt and most of all, mother. Always a caring friend to many and the dearest friend to the lucky few, she will be incredibly missed and never forgotten. Life was always better with Crandall, and we pray her memory will carry on to bless us all.
Also, we're pretty sure Crandall is already arranging a tennis tournament in heaven, making everyone laugh, and ensuring the angels have the best workout routines. We love and miss you. Keep shining, Cran!
A service will be held on Friday, February 7 at St. James Episcopal Church, Richmond, Virginia at 11:00 AM. For more service details, please visit Blileys.com. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to UVA Health Foundation or Sheltering Arms.
Lloyd "Bruce" Baker
Lloyd Bruce Baker Sr. passed away peacefully after a long battle with heart disease and Parkinson's. Surrounded by his loving family in his final days, Bruce leaves behind a legacy of love and dedication.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lloyd Reginald and Grace Elizabeth Baker, along with his brother, Wayne Baker. He is survived by his devoted wife of 40 years, Rhonda Ligon Baker, his two children, Erin Hungerford (partner John Longo) and Lloyd Bruce Baker Jr. (Stacie), and his three cherished grandchildren: Mason, Maxwell, and Maverick. Also surviving him are his siblings Ernie Baker (Cindi), Debbie Berman (Jake), and Bill Baker, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. His faithful companion, Honey, remains a testament to his loving nature.
A Richmond native, Bruce graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and attended Virginia Commonwealth University. He was a founding principal of Baker Brothers Produce, which later became Produce Source Partners.
Bruce was a man of many talents and passions. An avid enthusiast of all things boating, he enjoyed sailing, motorboating, water skiing, and fishing. He delighted in sharing these skills with anyone eager to learn. His vacations to the British Virgin Islands were legendary among family and friends. A master woodworker, Bruce was known for his remarkable ability to build and repair almost anything.
Bruce's warmth, skills, and adventurous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A service will be held at the Simms Center at Lakewood Retirement Community, 1900 Lauderdale Drive, Henrico, VA 23238, at 4 p.m. on January 17, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richmond SPCA, 2519 Hermitage Road, Richmond, VA.
Published by Richmond Times-Dispatch on Jan. 5, 2025.
Stanley Katz's wife
May 22, 1946 - January 2, 2025
Alene Tronfeld Katz, 78, of Richmond Va passed away on January 2nd, 2025. For full obituary and service information, please visit www.blileys.com (https://www.blileys.com/obituaries/Alene-Tronfeld-Katz?obId=34283704):
"Alene Tronfeld Katz, 78, of Richmond VA, passed away on January 2, 2025. She is preceded in death by
her father, Sidney Tronfeld and mother, Cecelia Tronfeld. She is survived by her husband, Stanley Katz,
Brother, Jay Tronfeld (Caren); Son, Adam Katz (Jennifer); Daughter, Candice Malensek (David); grandchildren, Ben,
Lizzie, Andrew and Sydney; Niece Meggie Hirsch (Ari); children Theo and Mila), and Nephew, Clint
Tronfeld.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Family and friends will be received at the family home,
10404 Silverbrook Drive, Henrico VA, 23233. Memorial contributions can be made to breast cancer
research or the Masonic Home of Virginia."
For Older Obituaries, Click Here
For Older Obituaries, Click Here
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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