The Heartbreaking Story of Jonathan Berkery: Tom Jones’ Forgotten Son

Imagine growing up knowing your father is one of the most famous singers in the world — but he wants nothing to do with you.

That’s the story of Jonathan Berkery, the forgotten son of music legend Tom Jones. While the world praises Tom’s powerful voice and long music career, Jonathan has faced rejection, homelessness, and emotional pain.

In this article, we’ll take a close look at Jonathan’s life — how he was born into fame but left in the shadows. We’ll explore his early years, the difficult relationship with his father, and how he’s still trying to find peace today.

Jonathan Berkery Quick Bio

Who Is Jonathan Berkery?

Jonathan Berkery was born on June 27, 1988, in the United States. He also goes by the stage name Jon Jones.

His mother is Katherine Berkery, a former model and real estate agent. His father is Sir Tom Jones, the world-famous Welsh singer known for hits like “It’s Not Unusual” and “Delilah.”

Even though his father is rich and famous, Jonathan didn’t grow up with any of that. In fact, he never even met Tom Jones. His life turned out very differently — filled with struggle instead of luxury.

The Short Affair That Changed Everything

In 1987, Tom Jones was touring in the U.S. when he met Katherine Berkery in New York. She was 24 years old, working as a model and hotel clerk. Tom was 47 and already married at the time.

They had a three-day fling — and that’s when Katherine became pregnant. But when she tried to contact Tom to tell him, he ignored her. His assistant allegedly told her, “That’s showbiz, darling. Do what you have to do.”

This led to a big legal fight. In 1989, a court-ordered DNA test proved that Tom Jones was Jonathan’s father. Still, Tom wanted nothing to do with the baby. He agreed to pay £1,700 a month in child support, but said he had been “tricked” and didn’t want a relationship with the child.

Tom Jones Denied Him for Years

Even after the DNA test confirmed the truth, Tom Jones stayed away. He didn’t call. He didn’t visit. He didn’t show any interest in knowing his son.

In 2008, Tom finally admitted publicly that Jonathan was his son — but said he had been “seduced” and didn’t plan for the child. This public statement only made things worse for Jonathan, who had spent his whole life wanting his father’s love.

Jonathan tried again and again to contact his father. But every message and request went unanswered. The pain of being ignored by someone so close — and so famous — stayed with him for years.

Jonathan Berkery’s Childhood Without a Father

Growing up without a father is never easy. But for Jonathan, it was even harder because everyone knew who his father was — and that he didn’t want him.

Jonathan was raised by his mother, Katherine Berkery, who herself had a tough start in life. She was adopted as a child and came from Asian roots, later becoming a U.S. citizen. She did her best to provide for Jonathan while working in real estate.

But the emotional damage was deep. Jonathan often said he felt lost, angry, and sad. Other kids had dads who showed up. He didn’t even say hello. That kind of pain is hard to hide — and it only grew as he got older.

Drugs, Anger, and a Lost Path

As a teenager, Jonathan’s pain turned into anger. At just 16, he started using drugs like cocaine and ecstasy to block out his feelings. He said it helped him feel numb when he couldn’t handle the rejection anymore.

He began hanging out with older boys, looking for a father figure anywhere he could. He fought with other kids at school. He got into legal trouble and was even arrested a few times. He kept switching schools because of his behavior.

Jonathan later said, “I was one angry kid crying out for a father.” That deep sadness shaped the way he acted — and he admits it took years for him to understand how much it affected his life.

Trying to Find His Way in Music

Even though Jonathan was dealing with pain, he still had something special — a beautiful voice. Just like his father, he had a talent for singing. Music became his escape.

He started performing under the name Jon Jones, singing his father’s songs like “Delilah” and “It’s Not Unusual.” People would stop and listen when they heard him sing — many said he sounded just like Tom Jones.

But his music journey wasn’t easy. He didn’t have money, support, or connections. He sang in small venues and even on the streets. In 2018, people saw him busking in New Jersey with a cardboard sign that said, “I need money.”

Jonathan wasn’t asking for fame — he just wanted a chance to live, to be heard, and maybe be seen by the man who gave him life.

Jonathan Berkery Was Homeless

For a time, Jonathan had no place to live. He stayed in homeless shelters and slept in parks. He worked part-time jobs for as little as $7 an hour, just to survive.

People were shocked to learn that the son of a multi-millionaire singer was struggling to afford food. His father, Tom Jones, has a net worth of over $300 million — yet Jonathan was singing on the sidewalk to make ends meet.

But Jonathan kept going. He didn’t give up. Even though he was poor and alone, he still had dreams. And he still hoped one day he would finally meet his father — just once.

The Emotional Plea to Tom Jones

In recent years, Jonathan Berkery has opened up more about his pain — and his wish to finally meet his father, Tom Jones.

In one emotional interview, Jonathan said, “Please let me see you before it’s too late.” He wasn’t asking for money or help — just a chance to talk. He wanted to share his life, hear about his dad’s life, and maybe make peace before time runs out.

Jonathan said he began to worry more about his father’s health after hearing about Tom’s hospital stays and hip surgery. Even though they’ve never met, he still cares deeply. He said he just wants to sit with his dad and have a normal conversation — like any son would want.

Does Jonathan Berkery Have Any Siblings?

Yes, Jonathan has one known half-brother, Mark Woodward. Mark is Tom Jones’ son from his marriage to his late wife, Melinda Trenchard.

Mark also works as Tom’s manager, but he and Jonathan have never met or spoken. Jonathan once tried to contact Mark through email, asking if he could help set up a meeting with their father. Sadly, he never got a reply.

Jonathan has said that he would also like to get to know Mark one day. But more than anything, he wants to be accepted as part of the family — something that has never happened.

Where Is Jonathan Berkery Now?

As of 2025, Jonathan Berkery is still living in the United States. He keeps his life very private, but from what we know, he is still performing music and trying to build a life of his own.

He sometimes shares fitness tips and short videos online. Fans say he still has a strong voice and looks a lot like a young Tom Jones.

He may not have fame or fortune, but he’s trying to stay positive. Jonathan has said that he no longer uses drugs and wants to live a better, more peaceful life.

How Old Is Jonathan Berkery?

Jonathan was born on June 27, 1988. That makes him 37 years old in 2025.

He’s around 5 feet 9 inches tall (1.75 m) and weighs about 165 pounds (75 kg). He has dark hair, a slim build, and many people say he has the same deep eyes and strong jawline as his father.

Even strangers who hear him sing sometimes stop and say, “You sound just like Tom Jones.” But sadly, the man he sounds like has still never answered his call.

Jonathan Berkery’s Net Worth and Life Situation

Unlike his father, who is worth an estimated $300 million, Jonathan Berkery’s net worth is believed to be around $10,000.

He makes money by performing music, both in small venues and on the streets. Sometimes he works part-time jobs to help pay bills. In the past, he even stacked shelves for less than $8 an hour.

Jonathan has said he never wanted money from Tom Jones. All he ever wanted was to be acknowledged — to feel like he mattered.

Even though he’s struggled with rejection, poverty, and loneliness, he’s still holding on to hope.

Final Thoughts

The story of Jonathan Berkery is painful, real, and unforgettable. He didn’t ask to be born into a famous family. He didn’t choose this path. But he’s been trying, for his whole life, to be seen — and loved.

While Tom Jones continues to perform and enjoy fame, his forgotten son lives in the shadows, hoping one day to hear just one kind word from the man who gave him life.

Maybe there’s still time. Maybe one day, a father and son will finally meet, talk, and heal.

Until then, Jonathan continues to sing — not just for money, but for hope. And maybe, one day, for peace.

(FAQs)

Is Jonathan Berkery really Tom Jones’ son?

Yes. A DNA test in 1989 proved that Jonathan is Tom Jones’ biological son — but shockingly, they have never met.

Can Jonathan Berkery sing like Tom Jones?

Yes! He sings under the name Jon Jones and sounds just like his father — even though Tom has never heard him perform.

How old is Jonathan Berkery now?

Jonathan was born on June 27, 1988, which makes him 37 years old in 2025.

Who is Jonathan Berkery’s mother?

His mother is Katherine Berkery, a former model of Korean-American descent who raised Jonathan completely alone.

What is Jonathan Berkery doing today in 2025?

He’s still singing on the streets, living a quiet life in the U.S., and hoping to meet his father before it’s too late.