Katherine Berkery: Full Story of Tom Jones’ Ex, Her Son Jonathan, and Life Today
Katherine Berkery is a Korean-American former model and real estate agent who became widely known after her brief relationship with the famous Welsh singer Tom Jones in the late 1980s, a moment that later led to a well-known paternity case involving their son, Jonathan. Even though she never searched for fame, her name appeared in the media, and she faced public attention that she did not expect.
Katherine was born in Korea in 1963, adopted at eight years old by a family in New Jersey, and grew up building a life shaped by strength, resilience, and independence. After working in modeling and trying a small acting role, she moved into real estate, where she found long-term stability and chose to live a quiet and private life focused on her son and her personal peace.
Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Katherine Berkery |
| Birth Year | 1963 |
| Age (2024) | 61 years old |
| Birthplace | Korea |
| Nationality | Korean-American |
| Ethnicity | Asian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (170 cm) |
| Weight | Around 60 kg (132 lbs) |
| Profession | Former model, Real estate agent |
| Relationship Status | Single |
| Children | 1 son – Jonathan Berkery |
| Known For | Relationship with Tom Jones and the 1989 paternity case |
| Net Worth | About $500,000 |
| Current Residence | United States |
| Social Media | No public accounts |
Who Is Katherine Berkery?
Katherine Berkery is a Korean-American former model and real estate agent whose life became known to the public after a brief relationship with the famous Welsh singer Tom Jones in the late 1980s. Even though she never wanted fame, her name was placed in the media when a paternity case involving her son became national news.
Over the years, she stepped away from public attention and chose a private, peaceful life, focusing on her work, her son, and her personal growth. Her story continues to interest people because it includes themes of adoption, cultural identity, single motherhood, emotional struggle, and strength.
Early Life & Background
Katherine Berkery was born in Korea in 1963, and her early childhood was marked by uncertainty until her life changed at the age of eight, when she was adopted by a wealthy family from New Jersey in the United States. Moving from Korea to America brought big adjustments for her, including learning English, understanding a new culture, and settling into a very different lifestyle, but she adapted with quiet strength and resilience.
Her adoptive parents provided her with stability, emotional support, and opportunities she never had before, helping her grow into a confident young girl who learned to balance her Korean roots with her new American identity. Although many details about her early schooling remain private, her childhood experiences shaped her open-minded outlook, her independence, and the determination that later helped her pursue modeling, build a career, and face unexpected challenges with courage.
Katherine Berkery Age and Physical Details
Katherine Berkery was born in 1963, which makes her 61 years old in 2024, and she is known for keeping a graceful and natural look even as she gets older. She stands about five feet seven inches tall with a slim figure of around sixty kilograms, which reflects her past work as a model. People often describe her appearance as elegant and calm, with a simple and confident style that she has carried throughout her life. Even though she is no longer in the modeling world, she continues to present herself with the same gentle and polished manner that has always been part of her personality.
Katherine’s Modeling Journey
Katherine entered the modeling industry in the 1980s after developing a passion for fashion and discovering that she had the confidence and look that agencies sought during that era. She worked with modeling agencies that helped her book shows and travel to well-known fashion cities like Milan, Paris, and New York. During this time, she participated in runway shows, promotional events, and photoshoots, slowly building experience in a highly demanding field. Although she did not become a global modeling star, she managed to build a respectable portfolio and gain real insight into the fast-paced and competitive nature of the fashion world.
Like many models who were not yet established, Katherine worked side jobs to support herself, including a position as a shipping clerk at Regine’s nightclub in New York. This job placed her in a vibrant social environment filled with celebrities, performers, and fashion insiders, and it was also the place where she met Tom Jones. The modeling industry taught her important lessons about independence, adaptability, and responsibility, all of which became valuable throughout her life.
Acting Experience
Years after her modeling career, Katherine appeared briefly in a short film titled Picture Perfect in 2006, where she played the role of a club girl. Although her part in the film was small, it showed that she was open to exploring different career paths and trying new creative experiences. Acting was not something she continued with, as it did not match the private lifestyle she preferred, but the experience added another layer to her personal journey and demonstrated her willingness to step outside her comfort zone.
Transition to Real Estate
As time went on, Katherine decided to step away from the unpredictable world of modeling and move into a profession that offered more stability. Real estate became her long-term career, allowing her to use her communication skills, her ability to work well with people, and her determination to build a secure future.
She worked as a real estate agent in the United States for many years, helping clients buy and sell properties and building trust with the people she served. Her work in the field earned her a reputation as a private, reliable, and hardworking agent who preferred to let her work speak for itself rather than seek public attention. Real estate also became her main source of financial independence, helping her support her son and maintain a stable life after the challenges she experienced in the public eye.
Katherine and Tom Jones Love Story
The most widely known part of Katherine’s life began in 1987 when she met Tom Jones at Regine’s nightclub in New York City, where she was working at the time. Jones was already a major international star, performing hit songs around the world and enjoying the height of his career. Katherine was a young model working hard to build her future. They connected quickly, and after meeting, Jones invited her to his show.
Their interaction continued after the performance, and they eventually spent the night together in Manhattan. Their relationship was brief, yet it became life-changing for Katherine when she later discovered she was pregnant. This unexpected turn of events eventually led to public attention, emotional strain, and legal battles that neither of them had anticipated.
Who Is Tom Jones?
Tom Jones is a world-famous Welsh singer who became popular in the 1960s for his powerful voice, energetic style, and hit songs like It’s Not Unusual, ” ” Delilah, She’s a Lady, and What’s New Pussycat?. He quickly rose to international fame and became known for his strong stage presence, soulful singing, and ability to perform many different music styles, including pop, rock, and soul.
Over his long career, he has sold millions of records, won awards, and performed for fans around the world, making him one of the most successful and respected singers of his time. Even after many decades in the music industry, he continues to perform and remains a well-loved figure in entertainment.
Katherine’s Pregnancy and the Paternity Case
Katherine Berkery’s life changed greatly after her brief connection with Tom Jones in 1987, when she discovered she was pregnant with their son, Jonathan, who was born in June 1988, but the situation became difficult when Jones denied being the father, leading to emotional stress and financial pressure for Katherine as a single mother.
The matter went to court in 1989, where a DNA test was ordered, and the results confirmed that Jones was indeed Jonathan’s biological father, resulting in a court decision that required him to pay $1,700 a month in child support until Jonathan turned eighteen. Although the ruling brought financial support, Jones still chose not to build a relationship with his son, which added emotional challenges for both Katherine and Jonathan, and the entire case became heavily covered by the media, bringing unwanted attention and making this a very tough period in Katherine’s life.
Katherine’s Life After the Court Case
After the paternity case ended, Katherine Berkery chose to step away from all public attention and focused on building a peaceful and stable life for herself and her son, Jonathan, staying away from interviews and avoiding the spotlight that once surrounded her. She continued working in real estate, a career that gave her a steady income and helped her create a secure future without relying on fame or publicity.
Katherine also leaned on her Christian faith for strength during difficult times, allowing her to heal emotionally and remain hopeful while raising her son on her own. By choosing privacy and a quiet lifestyle, she rebuilt her life with dignity and independence, showing that her main priorities were family, stability, and personal peace.
Katherine’s Only Son
Katherine Berkery’s only son, Jonathan Berkery, was born in June 1988 in New Jersey after her short relationship with Welsh singer Tom Jones. When Jonathan was born, Tom Jones denied being his father, but a DNA test in 1989 confirmed that he was, and the court ordered him to pay child support until Jonathan turned eighteen. Growing up without his father was hard for Jonathan, and he faced emotional struggles and a few difficult years as a teenager.
Despite these challenges, he later found comfort in music and began performing under the name Jon Jones, often singing his father’s well-known songs. Jonathan has said that he does not seek fame or money but simply hopes for a personal connection with his father one day. Through all of this, Katherine has always supported and cared for her son, standing by him through every stage of his life.
Privacy and Social Media
Katherine has chosen to remain private for decades. She has no known public social media accounts and does not engage in online platforms where her personal life could be exposed. Her decision to stay away from public attention began after the paternity case, and she has stayed consistent with that choice ever since. She values her peace, and she prefers to live her life quietly without the pressure of public opinions or media attention. Her commitment to privacy is strong, and she has successfully protected her personal life for many years.
Public Perception
Public perception of Katherine has changed over time. While the media once reduced her story to dramatic headlines about a celebrity scandal, people today see her as a woman who faced a difficult situation and handled it with grace. She is recognized for her adoption story, her modeling career, her strength as a single mother, and her ability to rebuild her life away from fame. Her story teaches important lessons about resilience, privacy, and the importance of staying true to your values even when life becomes overwhelming.
Common Misconceptions
One of the biggest misconceptions about Katherine is the false claim that she had a relationship or child with actor Tom Cruise. This rumor is completely untrue and has no factual basis. The only confirmed paternity case in her life involves Tom Jones, not Tom Cruise. The misunderstanding likely came from inaccurate online articles, and it is important to correct this misinformation to protect her story from confusion.
Katherine Berkery’s Net Worth Today
Katherine’s estimated net worth is about $500,000, which mainly comes from her years of steady work in real estate. Unlike many people connected to celebrities, she never pursued fame or tried to benefit financially from her association with Tom Jones. Instead, she maintained a simple and grounded life, focusing on earning her own income and supporting her son. Her financial situation reflects her independence and her practical approach to living a stable and responsible life.
Conclusion
Katherine Berkery’s life is much more than the headlines that once surrounded her. She is a woman who came from a difficult early childhood in Korea, found hope through adoption, entered the competitive world of modeling, faced emotional and public challenges during her relationship with a world-famous singer, raised her son with strength, built a stable career in real estate, and chose a private life built on faith and resilience.
Her journey shows that life is not defined by fame or scandal but by courage, dignity, and the choices a person makes when faced with hardship. Katherine has lived her life quietly, focusing on what matters most to her—peace, family, and independence—and her story continues to inspire people who see strength in the way she handled every challenge with grace.
FAQs About Katherine Berkery
1. Who is Katherine Berkery?
Katherine Berkery is a Korean-American former model and real estate agent who became known after a brief relationship with Welsh singer Tom Jones and the paternity case involving their son.
2. How old is Katherine Berkery?
She was born in 1963, which makes her 61 years old as of 2024.
3. Where was Katherine Berkery born?
She was born in Korea and later moved to the United States after being adopted at the age of eight.
4. What is Katherine Berkery known for?
She is best known for her past relationship with Tom Jones and the 1989 court case that confirmed he was the father of her son, Jonathan.
5. Does Katherine Berkery have children?
Yes, she has one son, Jonathan Berkery, born in 1988.
6. What does Katherine Berkery do for a living?
After leaving modeling, she built a long career in real estate, which became her main profession.
7. What is Katherine Berkery’s net worth?
Her estimated net worth is around $500,000, mostly earned from her real estate work.
8. Is Katherine Berkery active on social media?
No, she does not have any public social media accounts and prefers a very private life.