Tom died in Phoenix, Arizona, on June 3, 1998, of a cerebral hemorrhage. He was 55 at the time of his death. Born June 23, 1942, in Cleveland Ohio, he was raised in the Wood River Valley of Idaho. Tom graduated from Hailey High School where he participated in many sports but was especially talented in football and basketball. While attending Idaho State University and studying for his geology degree he jumped from McCall, in 1964 and 1965.

Tom joined the Navy as an aviator and served 21 years, attaining the rank of commander. Following his retirement, he flew for Eastern Airlines. At the time of his death, he worked for Kitty Hawk Airlines and was on a business trip for his company when he passed away. He received full military rites and burial.