John Joseph Thompson

John “Jack” Thompson was born on May 2, 1938 in The Bronx, New York, and graduated to the Lord’s kingdom on July 9, 2020. He is survived by the love of his life, Nancy Little Thompson, being married 59 years. He is also survived by his son and wife, Kevin and Leslie Thompson, daughter and husband, Shawn and Randy Dobbs, grandchildren, John Luke Thompson, Danielle Thompson, Colin and Samantha Bear and their children Lucy and Henry Bear, Austin and Linsey Bear, Devin Bear and Jacqueline Manza, and Logan Bear. He is also survived by his extended family of Ryan and Rebecca Orbin, Travis and Ana Dobbs, and Brian and Lauren Polcar, along with 6 additional great grandchildren.

Jack was the second youngest out of 4 sisters and 1 brother. While attending Roosevelt High School, he was recruited to play basketball at Kilgore Junior College in Kilgore, TX. While attending school, he met his true love, Nancy, a former Kilgore Rangerette. Jack transferred to the University of Houston and played for the UH basketball team under the direction of Guy V. Lewis. The two became life-long friends. Each weekend, provided there was no basketball game or practice, allowed Jack the opportunity to thumb his way to Kilgore to visit Nancy. They eventually married on August 26, 1961 and enjoyed a long, eventful life together.

Jack was employed with Budweiser his entire professional career. He worked there until his retirement in 2008 as a quality control technician.

Jack’s family was extremely important to him. Each summer, the family would pack the car and head to different destinations around the country. As the family grew, he made it a point to be active in his grandchildren’s lives. He coached many of them in basketball and rarely missed games in the other sports they played. He supported each of them, whether it be in sports, academics, or events that took place in their daily lives. His love for family never faded.

Jack never met a stranger. He was courteous, thoughtful, respectful, and always had a smile on his face. Jack never lost his passion for basketball. He played in numerous men’s leagues around Houston and loved to coach. He was instrumental in shaping many a young man’s life, teaching them the fundamentals of the game and to always play with heart and tenacity. He was instrumental in developing the Houston Basketball Prep and the Houston Gold and Silver in the 1980s, where many deserving young men were provided the opportunity to further their basketball career through scholarships at various colleges around the country. He coached at St. Thomas High School and Trafton Academy. He never stopped loving his UH Cougars and would frequently attend their games.

A celebration of life will be held at the St. Thomas High School, 4500 Memorial Dr., Houston, TX 77077, in Granger Stadium, on Friday evening, August 28, 2020, at 7:00 PM. Due to the summer weather conditions, the family asks that you please dress casual and comfortable. Social distancing will be practiced and masks are required.

The family would like thank all those that played a part in making Jack’s life complete and they appreciate all your kind words and cards. They also ask that in lieu of flowers, a donation be made to St. Thomas High School in memory of Jack Thompson.