Thomas, known as "Tom", was born in Detroit, Michigan, the first son of Anthony and Marilyn Jankiewicz. He had four younger siblings: Diane, Patrick, Donald and Steven. The family was very close and enjoyed camping trips and weekend activities together. Tom was quite shy as a youngster, but always with an active imagination. His first taste of the limelight was when he was cast in the pivotal role of "The Mayor" in his first grade production of "The Pied Piper." Tom went on to enjoy writing and illustration success with his Fourth Grade win in the Young Authors Competition with his entry, Patrick the Patchwork Pig. He would continue to write for the rest of his life. Tom also was a firm believer in learning, always reading extensively on a wide range of subjects. He also enjoyed watching films, both old and new.
Tom never outgrew his tendency to be low-key, he never even had a Facebook page. When Tom was in Junior High, his Mom bought a Super-8 camera to record family vacations. Thus his interest in film making began. He began to write, direct and film short movies starring his siblings and friends. Tom would occasionally appear when there were not enough actors. "Bink Park", "The Creep Who Wouldn't Leave" and the University of Michigan Film Festival entry: "Grandmother, Is That You?" were among some of the movies he made.
When the family moved to Southern California in 1981, Tom began to seriously consider screenwriting as a career. While he worked on his scripts, he also obtained a Bachelors in English from California State University at Fullerton, and began working on his Masters from Cal Poly Pomona. In 1994 he sold "GROSSE POINTE BLANK" which was released in 1997. A few years later, Tom's spec sale "KUNG FU THEATER" made the trades when it went for a then-record amount. While the action comedy had Jamie Foxx attached and David Carradine playing himself, it remained mired in development after being acquired by Universal Studios.
Tom continued to write scripts that were optioned, as well as extensive re-writing of other's scripts. At the time of his death, he was actively developing a script and a book. In addition to his work, Tom enjoyed traveling in all forms, from road trips and beach camping to Caribbean cruises. After a trip to Hawaii, he developed a taste for Spam Masubi and Mahi Mahi. He enjoyed it so much that he was looking forward to a return trip to the Islands soon. Tom inherited his father's passion for the stock market and financial news.
As oldest, his parents would often say Tom was the "ringleader" because his siblings often followed his example. He took his role very seriously because he was always taking care of his family and friends, encouraging all those around him to reach higher in their personal goals and not to settle. Not only was Tom a devoted brother, friend and mentor, but an adored Uncle to his niece and nephews: Allison, Troy, Conan and Ajax. He was also Godfather to Troy and Ajax.
To quote one of Tom's favorite authors, Joseph Conrad:
"I don't like work...but I like what is in work ~the chance to find yourself. Your own reality ~ for yourself, not for others~ which no other man can know."
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