James Thomas “Tom” Hawthorne, 93, of San Diego died on March 10, 2022. Along with his father, J.B. Hawthorne, Tom founded Hawthorne Machinery Co. in 1956. He led the company as its CEO for 50 years. He also was one of the first Cat Dealers to establish a separate and dedicated Power Systems business unit — Hawthorne Power Systems.
Hawthorne Cat is in its third and fourth generation of leadership with Tom’s son-in-law, Tee Ness, as chairman and grandson, Dave Ness, as president/CEO. Tom’s legacy lives on through programs such as the Tom Hawthorne Diesel Technology Center at Miramar College, which grants scholarships to students earning their degree in diesel technology, and the Hawthorne Veteran and Family Resource Center sponsored by Interfaith Community Services designed to help homeless Veterans stabilize their lives.
In his retirement, Tom started a new company — Tool Shed Equipment Rental & Sales in Escondido, Calif. — with his brothers, Paul, Jack and Gary Hawthorne.
He is survived by his wife, Margie; daughters, Debbie (Tee) Ness and Chris (Steve) Perreault; daughter-in-law, Suzy Hawthorne; sister, Kathryn Ireland; brothers, Paul, Jack and Gary Hawthorne; numerous grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and great-great grandchildren.