Terence "TJ" John Eaves

Terence John “TJ” Eaves was born on November 16, 1946 to Arthur and Eileen (Dunsford) Eaves in Bristol, England. In 1973, TJ earned an art scholarship to attend Mount Marty College in Yankton, South Dakota. There he met Coletta Crowley. Following graduation from college, they made their home in Bristol, England and were later married. Upon returning to Yankton they were blessed with the birth of a daughter, Autumn. TJ worked several jobs and for a time managed the group home, Adjustment Training Center. TJ and Coletta were later divorced.
TJ met and fell in love with Vicky Frick. In 2003, TJ and Vicky were united in marriage. From 2000-2004, they owned and operated a grooming and pet store in Yankton called More than Pets. They later focused their business on pet grooming. He also worked in maintenance at Yankton Care Center and Avera Majestic Bluffs. He officially retired following a decline in health due to cancer.
TJ was a gentle soul, who attracted friends from all walks of life. His genuine and helpful nature to assist everyone was his best quality. His work in all projects was completed in a loving manner. TJ also played the drums at his church, Christ the King. He enjoyed the task and sought ways to better his skills all the time. He would say that his “desire to play was better than his skills.” TJ was an active member of Yankton Connecting Artists, a group of art-minded people who loved exploring all art forms. He will be greatly missed by all.
TJ passed away on Friday, April 19, 2019 surrounded by his family at his home in Yankton, South Dakota having attained the age of 72 years, 5 months, and 3 days.
He is survived and remembered by his wife Vicky Eaves of Yankton, SD; daughter Autumn (Adam) Hamberger of Grand Junction, CO; granddaughters: Bristol and Ellie Hamberger; sister Vivian (Paul) Keyes of Bristol, England; brother Jeff (Sue) Eaves of Bristol, England; mother-in-law Sue Frick; brother-in-law Terry (Mary) Frick and their children: Molly, Jenny, Justin, and their families; several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; and beloved pets: Claire Bear, Diva, and Plopper.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
This obituary was written by the Goglin Funeral Home on behalf of the Eaves family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be directed towards cancer research, Yankton Humane Society, or Yankton Connecting Artists.