Thomas Kenneth Irvine, Phoenix attorney
Thomas Kenneth Irvine, 73, died May 18, 2025. Tom was a loving husband, and proud father and grandfather. Tom practiced law in Phoenix, Ariz., for 38 years, working as a litigator and advisor on real estate, construction, and election matters.
Tom was born in Peoria, Ill., June 22, 1951, the oldest of five children of Mary Colfer Irvine and James Donald Irvine Sr. Tom’s family moved to Phoenix, Ariz., in 1956. Raised in a busy household, Tom was industrious, always working to have money for gadgets, hobbies, and excursions. He delivered newspapers for many years, starting by bike, and eventually driving a truck and supervising delivery routes. After graduating from West High School in 1969, he earned a B.S. from Arizona State University in 1973. Tom was the first in his family to graduate from college, leading the way for his four siblings, who all went on to receive college degrees. After college, he worked as a campaign manager and lobbyist, including managing Raúl Castro’s successful 1974 campaign for Arizona governor. Tom attended law school at Arizona State, earning a J.D. in 1980.
Tom lived through the rapid growth of the Phoenix area and was involved in many of the area’s significant development projects. Tom believed the practice of law is an honored calling and was particularly passionate about helping clients navigate complex situations. In downtown Phoenix, he worked on the financing of the Phoenix Suns arena and was the lead attorney for Maricopa County in the construction of the Arizona Diamondbacks ballpark and the courthouse tower. In 1992, he was memorably the attorney for the winning candidate in a tied Arizona legislative election decided by a game of five-card stud. He also published numerous articles on construction law, legal history, and civil rights, and served on public and charitable boards and State Bar committees. In retirement from private practice, he was active in the Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice as chair of the history and legislative advocacy committees.
Tom met Jane Killion, a social worker, at an event in 1980. They married in 1982 and raised their family in Phoenix’s Arcadia neighborhood. Tom was especially proud and supportive of his children. He enjoyed flying as a licensed pilot and small plane owner, and took up sailing as a hobby on visits to Oceanside, Calif.
Tom moved to Lewes in 2016 to be closer to his children and grandchildren. Tom passed away peacefully from heart failure Sunday, May 18, 2025, at Delaware Hospice in Milford, with his wife of 42 years by his side. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters-in-law, Joanna Irvine and Tashia Irvine; and brothers-in-law, Christopher Lloyd and Andrew Coe. He is survived by his wife, Jane Irvine; his children, Mark (Sonia) and Matthew (Jaclyn); four grandchildren, Alina, Nathan, Jordan and Eleanor; brothers, James Jr. (Teddy), Patrick and John Irvine; sister, Mary Macleish (Ken); sister-in-law, Mary Berg (Robert); and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, June 19, at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, Lewes.
