Thomas L. "Tj" Pearson

Thomas L. "TJ" Pearson Jr. of Chesapeake, VA, age 46, passed away at his home on Friday morning, October 12, 2018, after an intense, year-long battle with head and neck cancer. Because of the hope that he had in Jesus, we know that the end to this battle was victorious as he entered into the loving embrace of his Savior in heaven. TJ's faith and joy in Christ was an inspiration to every doctor, nurse, friend and family member who he came into contact with.

TJ was born on March 29, 1972 in Battle Creek, Michigan to Tom L. Pearson Sr. and Jane (Post) Ellis. He graduated from Gull Lake High School and then received a bachelor's in film from Montana State University. He was passionate about outdoor sports, such as golfing, motorcycling, mountain biking, and downhill skiing. When he was in his early twenties he took the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a downhill skiing team in Jackson, Wyoming. He loved road trips and sometimes drove between Bozeman, Montana, and Kalamazoo, Michigan in the summers. He often recounted his adventures on these trips, sharing stories of seeing the Northern Lights in the middle of nowhere or meeting interesting people in small towns. He had such a zest for life and loved to travel.

TJ loved people, especially his beloved family, and he enjoyed working with for his father Tom's excavating business and working on old houses with his artistic mother Jane's assistance. He had a deep appreciation for the beautiful things in life and was passionate about cooking and eating delicious food. He loved Michigan's beautiful, ever-changing seasons and was especially fond of winter. TJ loved visiting his mother and stepfather, Jane and Ed Ellis, and his stepbrother, Drew Ellis, in Florida, and then eventually in South Haven, Michigan, when they lived just blocks from Lake Michigan. South Haven was one of his favorite places of all time.

For the last four years, TJ was employed at the Christian Broadcasting Network in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and he loved having the opportunity to film and edit powerful testimonies of people whose lives have been touched by God. He was passionate about his relationship with the Lord and always strived to put Him first in all things.

On September 17, 2017, TJ married his best friend, Lauren (Durham) Pearson. Their time together on this earth was far too brief, but they liked to tell people that they had been married in their hearts for a long time. Lauren had walked with him as a friend the first time he had cancer in 2011, and she walked with him again, this time as his wife, as he faced a new cancer diagnosis just two months after their wedding. His display of faith, tenacity, courage, and grace throughout the harrowing journey will be remembered in a legacy that will live on for many, many years to come.

TJ's family and friends will be gathering together at an open house to celebrate a life well-lived on November 3 from 1-4 PM at Lighthouse Community Church in Kalamazoo. The family is asking for donations to be made with a comment saying "in memory of TJ" at http://gracefulgiving.org/index.html. TJ's family hopes to someday found a children's home in his honor using these funds.

"Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him." James 1:12