You probably did not know Tommy, but you most likely have heard him play.

He played trumpet with the Jackie Gleason Band, Benny Goodman, Doc Severenson, Cab Calloway, Dizzy Gillespie and the Tommy Dorsey Bands. He was a founding player of Dixieland Jazz.

We became friends when he retired from the big bands and played many jam sessions together over the years.

After the recent Florida hurricanes, I spotted my 84 yr old friend, Tommy, in the audience of a Hurricane Benefit I was playing and he, graciously, came up and played a couple of numbers with me, getting a standing ovation after each.

Thomas B. Justice, 84, died March 12, 2005, at a local rehab center. He was a gentleman, a funny man, a compassionate man, great friend and one hell of a trumpet player. I will miss him.

Eddie

I'm sorrowful about this really sad message. I didn't know this fine gentleman and I've never seen or heard anything about or from him.
Now it's too late! There will be no more chance for me to meet him. I hope he had a fulfilled life and that he found many enjoyment and happiness in it.
Good bye, Tommy Justice!

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Faithfully yours, Sheriff

[This message has been edited by Sheriff (edited 03-14-2005).]