Final Salute

John Thomas Byrum, Jr. (Tommy), 79, passed away on April 3, 2026. He was born in Portsmouth, VA, to the late John Thomas Byrum and Guisippine (Josephine) Pasquali Byrum. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen Woodhead Byrum, son Dr. James (Jamie) Byrum, PhD, daughter-in-law Tara Byrum, grandsons Grayson and Avett, and sister Emily Sue Byrum.

He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, class of 1966, where he enjoyed being a member of the band. Following high school, he served in the Navy Seabees in Vietnam, where he made lifelong friends. After his military service, he graduated from the Naval Shipyard Apprentice Program and worked there until retirement. Later, he enjoyed thirteen years as a school bus driver in the Western Branch area of Chesapeake.

He was a proud father, father-in-law, and grandfather. He would talk about them to everyone and loved his time with them.

Tommy loved classic cars, steam trains, and Doo Wop music. He owned a bright red 1931 Ford hot rod, which he named “Bernice” that he took to Dairy Queen and Driver Days. He rode steam trains at every opportunity, especially the 611 and the ones in Strasburg, PA. Music of the ‘60’s was always playing on the radio in any vehicle he drove, and he and Mary Ellen enjoyed attending many Doo Wop concerts over the years in Lancaster, PA.

In accordance with his wishes, there will not be a funeral service. He will be interred at a later date at Albert G Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery in Suffolk, VA.

A gathering to celebrate his life will be held at a later date.