John Edward Toma

On January 2, 2016, our beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather, John Edward Toma left this earthly life after an exhausting battle with cancer. He was always hopeful and never gave in to his terrible disease and continued to fight until his last breath.

John was born on May 8, 1943, in Memphis, Tennessee, to Amy Schloss Toma and John Emil Toma. He attended Christian Brothers High School, Yale University, Columbia University and University of Memphis Law School where he earned his law degree. He grew up with his two brothers, Martin and David, and his sister Susan.

Throughout the years, he worked diligently in his many occupations. His selfless work as an attorney revealed his dedication to the law as well as his passion to help individuals through difficult times. His never ending loyalty was his greatest strength, representing small clients against big banks, manufacturers, and other institutions, and he felt he was on the “right” side of these cases. He built personal relationships with co-counsel and clients alike and enjoyed mutual respect among his peers.

His greatest passion is his sailboat, one that upon rebuild completion, he will sail on again. Over the years, he spent time sailing with his dear friend, Steve, then with his wife, Toni. He loved sailing and was just such a natural sailor. He had a wonderful ability to teach and did so onboard as Captain of his crew.

As an athlete, John ran, rode, and swam in many triathlons. In recent years, he swam the 3-mile Pensacola Bridge, not once, but two times.

John has three daughters, Kimberly, Amy and Marjorie; and three children through his marriage to Toni, two more daughters, Kelly and Stephanie, and a son Taylor. His seven grandchildren, Hannah, Madyson, Emma, Eli, Colter, Cambridge, and little Dominic were his heart. His children and grandchildren were precious in his eyes and a scheduled trip to visit was always on the radar! Daniel, a greyhound rescue was a surprise Father’s Day gift from Toni. It took him (as he quoted recently) “about a minute to fall in love”.

John instilled his passion for the outdoors, healthy eating, sports, working hard and living a long vicarious life to all six of his children. Canoeing, long summers in New Orleans, re-finishing hardwood floors, parasailing, cooking, camping in the Cascades, swimming the Bay Bridge, traveling; all such amazing memories with his children.

John’s life will be celebrated by the water in Belize, where he has a residence and many friends.

Please send contributions in lieu of flowers to either of two of his cherished organizations.

Oasis of Hope Hospital to help existing cancer patients pay for their treatment.

There are two easy ways to make a donation:

1. Give online. https://www.give2charity.org/donate/?cid=728

2. Mail a check payable to: Contreras Cancer Fund

Contreras Cancer Fund

C/O Cancer Aid & Research Fund

20280 N 59th Ave Suite 115-709

Glendale, AZ 85308

Greyhound Pets of America Emerald Coast to help greyhounds like his Daniel survive until finding their “forever home”. www.facebook.com/gpaec