T.J. grew up in Tampa, Florida. Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served as a Specialist Four with D Troop, 1st Squadron, 9th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division. As an armor reconnaissance specialist, he was assigned to the Aero Rifle Platoon in Binh Phuoc Province, South Vietnam. From July 16 to 18, 1969, his unit conducted a jungle patrol through difficult terrain. On the final morning, while sweeping an ambush site, he and fellow soldiers triggered a tripwire attached to a Bouncing Betty anti-personnel mine. The blast killed him and wounded others in his unit.

T.J.’s name is inscribed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., on Panel 20W, Line 15. His legacy endures in the lives of his family, friends, and comrades.