Thomas S. Fox

Thomas S. Fox, local businessman, philanthropist, community leader, and friend to a great many, passed away on Saturday, September 3rd, in Grand Rapids. He was 95. Tom was a native of Grand Rapids, MI, where his parents, Martin M. and Hilda S. Fox, started a small-local jewelry store. Under Tom’s guidance, Fox’s Jewelers grew to become a large chain across the Midwest (“Hi, I’m Tom Fox!”). As a result of Tom’s achievements as a businessman, he was able to give back to the community which helped make him so successful. A few of the organizations close to Tom’s heart include the local hospitals, the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Hospice of Michigan, Michigan State University, Make A Wish, and Junior Achievement. Tom was particularly pleased he was able to bring the da Vinci Robotic surgical system to the West Michigan area.

In 1955, Tom married the love of his life, Maxine Fox (Bouterse). Together they enjoyed boating, traveling, golfing, and spending lots of time with their family. The family also very much enjoys Michigan State athletics, particularly football and golf. 

Tom was known as an extremely kind, funny, and generous man who impacted the lives of everyone who knew him. The West Michigan area will continue to benefit from Tom and Mickie’s philanthropy for years to come.

Tom is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mickie, their children, Janet Silverberg (Steve), Thomas S. Fox, Jr., Julie Fox, and Joan Fox Turrentine (John).  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Dan Silverberg,  David Silverberg, and Stephanie Silverberg (Kevin Rhode); Kate Schafer (Brian); Allison Tunge (Jack); and Thomas Fox Turrentine, as well as great-grandchildren, Lyle David Rhode, Charlie Maxine Tunge, and Emery Lucille Schafer.

Public visitation will be held Tuesday, September 6th, from 2-4 & 6-8 pm at Metcalf & Jonkhoff Funeral Service, 4291 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 7th, at 11:30 am, at Temple Emanuel, 1715 Fulton Street E, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Grand Rapids Community Foundation Tom and Mickie Fox Family Donor Advised Fund, 185 Oakes St SW, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 or Hospice of Michigan, 989 Spaulding Ave SE, Ada, MI 49301.

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