Obituary of John W. Thompson

John Wallace Thompson, Sr., 96, of Delray Beach, Fla., formerly of Jamestown, NY passed away Monday July 31, 2017 at the Delray Medical Center. He was born November 9, 1920 in Jamestown, NY, the son of the late Robert L. and Delzena Wilson Thompson. A graduate of Jamestown High School, Mr. Thompson served in the US Air Force, European theater, with honorable service. During his service he attended the University of Florence, Italy. He was employed as a machinist for TRW, division of Marlin Rockwell, retiring after 40 years. Throughout the years, he had been very active on various community and civic committees and organizations. These included Secretary of the Trustee Board of Blackwell Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church; a 32nd degree Mason and past Master of Mt. Sinai Lodge No. 56 F & AM Prince Hall Affiliation; and member of Ira Lou Spring American Legion, Post No. 149. Additional activities and organizations include: serving as vice-chairman of the Jamestown Democratic Committee, with four terms as Second Ward Democratic Chairman; elected to Jamestown City Council 1963 - 1965; was Jamestown Civil Service Commissioner for 10 years; and member of Jamestown Rotary Club. John was preceded in death by his wife of 72 years, Geraldine Carter Thompson. Besides his parents, three brothers also preceded him in death: Robert L. Thompson, Jr., Colonel Horace E. Thompson, U.S. Army, and Sylvester R. Thompson; a sister Ellen Gloria Harris; and a grandson, Timothy Biggs and great-grandson, Allen Basham, Jr. He is survived by three sons: John "Jackie" Thompson, Jr. and his wife Sandra of Erie, PA, Brian Thompson, Sr. and his wife Betty of Round Rock, TX, and Dennis Thompson and his wife Pat of Boynton Beach, FL; and eight grandchildren: Troy Ogden, Monique L. Jackson, Sonya L. Thompson, Brian A. Thompson, Jr., Kalere D. Thompson, Martina L. Thompson, Darwood G. Basham and Allen C. Basham. He also has fifteen great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, August 10th in the Emmanuel Baptist Church. Friends will be received in the church for 2 hours prior to the service, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday. Burial will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery.