Thomas Lee Zornes Jr.

Thomas Lee Zornes, Jr,36, of Las Cruces (Tj to friends and Family) passed away on January 28, 2016. Tj was born in La Clinica de San Fernando, Panama City, Republica de Panama, on December 31, 1979 to Linda (Yanker) and Thomas Zornes, Sr. At 4.5lbs,Tj was a "wild child" even from the beginning-pulling out the IVs while still in the incubator. After almost 2 weeks, he was released from La Clinica to begin life in the Canal Zone. At an early age, Tj took to swimming like a fish to water. After that came his fascination with diving from both low and high boards. Music also played a very important part in his life. Tj learned to play the guitar "by ear"; he would spend hours listening to the songs while he experimented to find the proper chords. He also enjoyed playing soccer, baseball, and pool-always claiming to be the best pool-shark in Cruces. If we had to rank all his "loves," music would be first, followed by diving and pool. In December 1989, after surviving several bombings during Operation Just Cause, Tj and his Dad left Panama via an emergency military transport. He joined his family in Las Cruces to begin a new chapter in his life. After earning his GED in 1998, Tj continued his life's journey in Denver, CO, where he worked for 4 years. He returned to Las Cruces hoping to embark on a college career in agriculture/horticulture. Tj never met a stranger; he considered everyone he encountered a friend. Even though he struggled financially, he opened his heart and his home to those less fortunate. Sometimes this backfired, but Tj "carried on." As an infant, Tj was dedicated as a Child of God at the Fort Clayton Chapel in the Panama Canal Zone. When he was 9 years old, he made a profession of faith and was baptized at Valley View Baptist Church where he attended. In recent years, Tj has attended the University Presbyterian Church and the Community of Christ Church. Even as he struggled every day with constant, unrelenting back pain, as well as mental illnesses and addictions, we knew God had His hand on him. Tj was predeceased by his grandparents, Myrna J. and Roy C. (Dick) Zornes and Marian B. Yanker. He is survived by his grandfather, Frederick W. Yanker; his parents, Linda M. and Thomas L. Zornes, Sr.; his brother, Frederick R. Zornes; and too many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and great-aunts/-uncles to list here. Family and friends may say farewell to Tj Friday evening February 12, 2016, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Getz Funeral Home 1410 E. Bowman Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001. On Saturday, February 13, 2016, we will hold Tj's memorial service at the University Presbyterian Church 2010 Wisconsin Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001, beginning at 2:30 p.m. A reception will follow. God called Tj home almost a month after his 36th birthday. He is no longer suffering. He is at peace in God's hands. In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: edemption Stories (501c3) 3011 Arrowhead Road Las Cruces, NM 88011Or donate online at https://www.youcaring.com/service-dog-515859 PDF Printable Version