Gary Dwayne Thompkins

An all-time Jackson basketball great and friend to all, died on Saturday, September 3, 2016, in Phoenix, Arizona surrounded by his loving family. He was 50. Gary was born September 15, 1965 to Bobby Thompkins and the late Paula Ryan. His first love was his family and he was especially proud of his three children and their accomplishments in academics and sports. Gary’s second love was basketball where he excelled as a Michigan All-State standout at Jackson High School. He still holds Jackson High school records for points (1,543), rebounds (801), assists (582), and steals (218) for the Vikings. In 2002, Gary was selected as the area’s best basketball player of all-time by the Jackson Citizen Patriot. Gary was widely recruited and after high school went on to play point guard at Iowa State University under the tutelage of famed head coach, Johnny Orr. There he played alongside future NBA players Jeff Hornacek and Jeff Grayer. A four-year letter winner at ISU, Gary had 940 career points and 600 career assists. Only two other players had more career assists. During his four-years with Iowa State he played in a remarkable three NCAA Tournaments. Following college, Gary was a CBA draft pick and played a brief stint with the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers and also overseas. Known as “Coach G,” Gary dedicated his life to coaching and prior to his death he was a special-needs instructor and basketball coach at Greenway High School in Phoenix. In August, while visiting Jackson to attend the Southside Reunion, Gary happily took time to return to Jackson High School’s old gym where he held a Basketball Shooting Camp. Gary leaves to cherish his memory his wife Kelly; his sons Ezekiel Thompkins and Sampson Barnes-Thompkins; daughter Jasmine Barnes; father Bobby Thompkins; sister Kimberly Thompkins-Black; brothers Brian (Cheryl) Williams; Anthony Jackson; Michael and Daniel Brown; grandmother Ruby Ryan; aunts Arlene Robinson, Cassandra Baker, Valerie (George) Clemmer and Janice (Oliver) Fields; uncles Patrick Ryan, Larry Thompkins, Joseph and Donald Shipp; aunt Ellen Thompkins, great uncle John Willis and great aunt Camie Robinson, special cousin Darrell Robinson; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Gary was preceded in death by his mother Paula Ryan; brother Parrish Joplin, Sr.; and grandparents Liza and Herman Robinson; Robert and Rachel Thompkins; and Robert Ryan. Gary’s final big play and act of love was as an organ donor. According to his wishes, he has been cremated. This fall at the first Jackson High School boys’ basketball game, Gary’s #40 will be retired and never worn again. Gary was greatly loved and will be remembered and missed always. A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Second Missionary Baptist Church (304 E. Prospect St. Jackson), Saturday September 10, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Darius Williams officiating. Family hour starting 10:00 A.M.

Patience-Montgomery Funeral Home

406 First Street

Jakcson, MI 49201

www.patience-montgomery.com