Thomas Jackson Ingram, V
March 8, 1991 ~ March 9, 2025
Age 34
Thomas Jackson Ingram V., was born March 8, 1991 at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan to Thomas and Karin Ingram. He passed away on March 9, 2025.
Thomas was a very special young man in all the best senses of the word. He shared his feelings openly and in every setting; his bright blue eyes and genuine laughter warmed the hearts of family, friends, and strangers alike.
Among other activities, Thomas liked to go grocery shopping. He beamed as his favorite things were added to the shopping cart. When he was little and riding in the cart, he would hug the gallon milk containers with a big smile. Thomas always had a unique empathy for babies he encountered while shopping, and mirrored their laughter or their crying; such a beautiful window to his kind and gentle soul, and we are grateful to the other parents who understood that our son had a loving and caring heart that he was not shy to express.
He loved going to the Bellevue Public Library, where he chose his favorite books, tapes and DVDs: cooking with Emeril Lagasse, Rachel Ray and Sarah Moulton; singing with Disney’s Sing Along Songs and Blue’s Clues; and most especially the stories of Thomas the Tank Engine.
There was something about the energy of live cooking shows that appealed to Thomas. Emeril said “Bam!,” and he was delighted! Often Thomas would “cook” along with the chefs. And the plastic toy pans wouldn’t do, he insisted on having a real frying pan. As Chef Sarah sautéed scallops, Chef Thomas gently flipped a beanbag frog (as much as he could, he solved his own problems!) with his spatula.
Any parent familiar with the children’s show Blue’s Clues knows that a paw print signals one of the signature clues. And whenever Thomas saw a dog’s pawprint in any other context, for him it was “A clue! A clue!” His happiness and laughter were always contagious.
Other activities he loved were going to restaurants and flying on airplanes to see his grandparents. Thomas truly loved pools, and made many friends over the years at Wragge Adaptive Swim and Outlook Enrichment Program at the University of Nebraska Omaha campus, where he learned to swim. At public pools, such as his favorite Papio Bay, he truly delighted in watching the diving boards. “Jumping! Splashing! Oh No!,” became a classic phrase at the pool, and even in anticipation of going swimming.
Along with Thomas’s kind heart was a small streak of mischief. With a gleam in his eye and lots of giggles, he held a toy just above his brother Erik’s reach – a little payback for brother’s tendency to hoard the toys. When Thomas had learned to walk, but still young enough not to know better, he was known to visit other people’s tables to take French fries during moments when his parents were looking away. Thomas was cute enough to get away with it, but those episodes were no less awkward for his parents. But more than French fries, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, French toast, fruit and salad (his tastes were eclectic), it was bacon that reigned supreme: you always had to guard your plate carefully against his reach!
Thomas is survived by his parents and step mother Jane Ingram; his brother Erik (Casey) Ingram; grandparents Edwin and Ilse Bornemann; his half brother Connor Novak; step sisters Katy and Maddie Hurley; Aunts Alison Ingram and Annette (Lars) Anderson; uncle Thomas (Ute) Bornemann; and by his cousins Maxine (Ryan) Anderson, Niko (Emily) Anderson and Sven Bornemann. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Thomas J. and Phyllis Ingram III.
A memorial service will take place at Thanksgiving Church, 3702 370th Plaza Ave., Bellevue, NE 68123, on April 9, 2025, at 10:00 AM; light refreshments will follow the service.
Anyone wishing to support the programs that most enriched Thomas’s life can do so through the Bellevue Public Library Foundation; Wragge Adaptive Swim Lessons And Outlook Enrichment; and Thanksgiving Church.
To view a live broadcast of the service, click the link on the obituary.
9 Comments
I was so sorry to hear of Thomas’ passing. What an absolute joy it was to have him in the TOPSoccer program for so many years. His enthusiasm and pure joy in being with his fellow players truly amplified the purpose and spirit of the program.
It was an honor to have crossed paths with Thomas and your entire family. My deepest condolences to you during this incredibly difficult time — my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
So sorry for your loss. He was always so happy in the pool. We have been with Wragge adaptive swim for years. We will keep your family and Thomas in our prayers. from the Miller Family ( Chris, Kim and Caleb)
Karen and Eric I am so sorry to hear this. Thomas was a bright light in the Heritage service and he will be missed. May God’s peace and promises comfort you.
To Thomas’ parents and family, I am so sorry for your loss.
We will miss Thomas’ infectious smile and enthusiastics hugs.
Take care,
Vince Miller ( AKA Peyton Miller’s dad )
Thomas, I will so miss you—your delightful nature and your presence in church or the library. I am grateful to have known you. My sympathy and caring to Karim and all family.
Thanks so much for sharing insight into so many personal moments in Thomas’ life. He was a special person. We can all be a blessing to others. Peace and prayers to Karen and his family.
Karen, I wish I could have attended the service to give you a hug in person. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Thomas will always have a special place in my heart. I will forever hear his voice saying “ The End” at just the right time.
What a wonderful eulogy! It truly catches the essence of Thomas. It was such a joy to have him in our classroom. I remember the sparkle in his blue eyes and his teases.
I was so sad to learn of Thomas’s passing. I worked with Jane for several years and loved hearing her talk about Thomas. I know how much he will be missed by his family and friends.
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