John Thomas Primm passed away March 23 ^rd , 2020 at the Washington County Rehabilitation and Nursing Center at the age of 87. His parents, the late Merle and Faith Primm, welcomed him into this world as the third of four brothers in Athens, IL, on July 22, 1932.

After graduating high school, Tom, the name he used to introduce himself, entered the Air Force during the Korean conflict. It was during this time he met the love of his life, Sonia. They were married 55 years when she was called to Heaven in 2010. Throughout their marriage, Sonia tolerated Tom's love of all thing's automobile.

Tom earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in education, teaching Industrial Arts and Social Studies at Vernon High School until 1990. He was many student's favorite teacher and a friend to many after school ended.

He is survived by his brother, Dave, who resides in El Paso, TX, his firstborn son, Dennis, of Vernon, his second son, David and his wife Kim and grandchildren Isabella and Katelyn, all of Oxford, AL. Additionally, three generations of Vernon students are part of his extended family.

After cremation, Tom's ashes will be buried at East Side Baptist Church in Vernon, reunited with Sonia once again. A memorial service will be planned after the government-imposed sanctions related to coronavirus have been lifted.