Thomas W. Jones, who was best known as “Sheriff” to generations of Northwest Kansas residents, passed away Thursday, July 21 after a year long battle with cancer.   Tom was born the second son of Wilson (Bud) and Maxine Jones on October 4, 1948 in Colby, KS.  He is survived by his son and daughter, Matt and Kerri, his brother and sister, David and Brenda, his grandchildren, Kaden, Grayson, and Anika, and his special friend, Florence Rodriquez  Tom proudly served his community as Sheriff of Thomas County from 1985 until his retirement in 2005.  Prior to his career at the Sheriff’s Office, he worked for the Colby Police department and was a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard.  In his retirement he took a position at Walmart in Colby.  His great love was his family, especially his children, and tending to the family farm.  He loved hunting, fishing, and enjoying the outdoors.  Tom spent a good deal of time riding his motorcycle and enjoying northwest Kansas.   Tom was an old-fashioned lawman.  Strict when called for, forgiving of harmless mischief, always ready to lend a helping hand to someone in need.  Never vengeful or mean spirited, he always looked for the good in people.  Tom was a good man in every sense of the word.  Good men change the world, we see them everyday, and it’s not until a time like this that we realize just what people like him have given us.  He was both humble and honest.  He was a friend to all, a mentor, an inspiration, a role model, and a man completely dedicated to his community.  Tough, yet gentle, he cared greatly about people.  He never failed to take a few minutes to listen, never hesitated to give a word of encouragement, and always ready to preform a kind act.  Tom touched the lives of countless numbers of people, and each life that he came in contact with was better for it.  His sincerity and genuine concern for others endeared him to many.  At the core of his being, he loved helping people, not for money or recognition, but because he truly wanted to make others lives better than they would have been otherwise.  There are countless stories of people that he has saved or prolonged.  He invested his time in people…. we will probably never know the full extent of the good he has done for this world.  He wasn’t fancy, but his life had genuine meaning.  Tom is a shining example of truth, justice, and love of his fellow man.  He had character; you will never meet a man who more faithfully lived his values.  He was a masterful dispenser of good medicine.  He had a quick wit and was a great joke teller.  He was a practical joker at heart and loved to get as good as he gave.   Tom has left an imprint on this community that we should never forget.  He will forever be remembered in the hearts and minds of all of those he touched, and those they touched, and there have been so many.   The family keeps thinking of all the crying that has been done over Tom these last few days, and while we’re sure he would be touched, we’re equally sure that he would be thankful that he got to share part of his life with you.  Services will be held on Monday, July 25th, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, 950 S Franklin Ave, Colby, Kansas with burial following the ceremony at Beulah Cemetery in Colby.  Memorials can be made to a United Methodist Church fund, care of Kersenbrock Funeral Chapel.