Jack Thompson Jr.

Jack Thompson, 85, a long time resident of Montgomery, AL, passed away at his home Friday, December 28, 2012. "Capt. Jack" as he was known, served in the Navy during WWII in the Pacific. Jack later, while in the Navy, served in the Korean Conflict. Jack became a commercial pilot after WWII. He started his flying career with the State of Alabama in the early 1960's. He took a leave of absence from the State and went to Viet Nam where he became an airline Captain for Air America. In 1968 He returned to work with the State eventually becoming the Chief Pilot for the State Highway Dept. He flew Gov. George Wallace, Gov. Lurleen Wallace and Gov. Albert Brewer. He left his job as State pilot in 1973 and went to work with Jimmy Clark, Speaker of the House of Representatives as a Sgt.-at-Arms. Jack retired in 1998 as Chief Sergeant-at-Arms for the State House of Representatives. In his retirement years, Jack enjoyed flying his 1946 Temco Swift. He was an active member of EAA Chapter 822 based at Wetumpka Airport. Jack was a member of Quite Birdman. He was one of the first 5 Alabama pilots to receive the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for 50 years of accident-free flying. Jack was also a member of the Central Alabama Model "A" Club and enjoyed driving his 1930's Model "A" cars.

Jack was preceded in death by his Mother, Josephine Denham, His Father, Jack Thompson, Step-Father, Elmo Denham and Grandson, Lee Rogers. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 38 years, Linda Cordle Thompson, son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Susan Thompson, daughter and husband, Lee Ann and Alan Rogers. Grandson and wife, Christopher and Bridget Thompson, grand-daughters, Jessica Arnold and Kaylee Rogers and great grand-daughter, Shaylee Arnold.

Pallbearers will be Charles Andrews, Larry Carter, Leighton Greenlee, Bill Johnson, Dennis Leatherwood and Larry Miller. Honorary pallbearers will be members of EAA Chapter 822, QB, and The Central Alabama Model "A" Club. Jack was a member of Perry Hill UMC. He was loved by all who knew him and will be truly missed.

Funeral services will be held at Leak Memory Chapel on Wednesday, January 2, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, January 1, 2013 at 5-7 P.M. Online condolences may be made at www.leak-mc.com.