Thomas William Cox, Jr

Thomas William Cox Jr. of S. Westshore Dr, Sault Ste. Marie, MI passed away Saturday April 6, 2013 at his home on Sugar Island. Tom (Sparky) was born in Sault Ste. Marie, MI on July 14, 1955. He was born and raised on Sugar Island. He attended a one-room schoolhouse on the Island before transferring to the main land in sixth grade. Tom graduated from Sault Area High School in 1974. After graduation, Tom worked as a deck hand on the Sugar Island Ferry before spending 32 years with Hoover Precision Products as a Tool & Die Machinist. Tom enjoyed traveling with his family and taking a break with friends. He loved boating, fishing, hunting and ran a trap line with his close friend, Craig Bailey, until the time of his death. He was also a proud member of The Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Tom married his wife and best friend Debra S. (Snider) Cox on February 1, 1975. They spent their life together on Sugar Island and raised two children. Tom is preceded in death by his son, Thomas James (TJ) Cox; parents, Thomas & Carol (McCoy) Cox; his in-laws, George & Katherine (Bonno) Snider; sister-in-law Darlene (Snider) Miller; brother-in-law, Ted Snider; niece, Tonya Snider; and brother-in-law, Donald Perin. Surviving him is his daughter, Amanda Rose (Cox) Gil (Rafael); sister, Donna Kurtz (Richard); sister, Tammy Cox; brother, Terry Cox; brother, Kevin Cox, niece, Amy Kurtz; and niece, Lisa Kurtz-Tollenaar (Chris). Tom''s life was far too short after losing his battle with cancer. He never let his illness slow him down. You could always find a smile on his face. During his battle, family and friends would stop over to share funny stories of the past and the crazy things they did while growing up on Sugar Island. All who knew him will sadly miss Tom. Tom will be laid to rest at Riverside Cemetery alongside his son, TJ. Visitation will be held 12 noon until 6pm Tuesday April 9, 2013 at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building 11 Ice Circle, Sault Ste. Marie, MI. Services will be held 3:00pm Tuesday April 9 at the Niigaanagiizhik Ceremonial Building with Brother John Hascall officiating. Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home and Cremation Center is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.clarkbaileynewhouse.com.

Tributes

Thomas William Cox, Jr

July 14, 1955 - April 6, 2013