Jackie Kent Thompson, 63, of Dowell, MD, formerly of St. Mary’s County, passed away peacefully at his home on April 25, 2013, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 30, 1949 in Belleville, KS to the late Edgar Garland Thompson and Winifred Joyce Howell Thompson. He was the loving husband of Peggy Marie Sheckells Thompson whom he married on August 9, 1974 in Camp Springs, MD.
Jack grew up in Belleville, Kansas, as one of eleven children. During part of his teenage years, he lived with his aunt and uncle where he worked on their ranch, and also worked on the Rock Island Railroad. After his parents were seriously injured in a car accident, Jack turned down a college football scholarship to help them and his family. After they recovered, he chose to enlist in the United States Navy.
Jack and Peggy met at Andrews Air Force Base, where he was part of the Chief of Naval Operations flight crew. Soon after marriage they relocated to Hawaii, where Jack was assigned to Naval Air Station (NAS) Barbers Point, where he flew missions into Southeast Asia. They returned to Maryland in 1976, where he was stationed at NAS Patuxent River. While at Pax River, he served with VQ-4, NRL and retired from VX-1. During his 20 year Navy career, Jack served as C-130 Flight Engineer, P-3 Flight Engineer, Maintenance Chief, and he was an integral part in the transition from the C130 to the E-6. He received many outstanding commendations.
Jack retired from the US Navy as a Senior Chief in 1988. Just prior to retiring, he established ATM Transmission Center, California, Maryland with his brother Butch. Two of his sons, Tom and Mark, joined him working at ATM, after they also served in the Navy.
Since his son Tom took over the business in 1999, Jack has pursued his love of travelling, fishing and camping. Jack and Peggy had many adventures in their RV, including several summers in Alaska and winters in Key West, Florida with family and friends.
Jack always had a colorful story to tell, and never met a stranger. He had a strong faith in the Lord, and was a long time member of the Leonardtown Baptist Church.
He is survived by his devoted wife and children, Thomas Wayne Green and his wife Ginny of Compton, MD, Mark Elliott Green and his fiancée Jennifer of St. Pete Beach, FL, Amy Marie Thompson Lenahan and her husband Sean of Bristow, VA and Jeffrey Kent Thompson and his wife Melissa of Leonardtown, MD; grandchildren, Amanda, Taylor, Ally, Jake, Ben, Sam, Jaclyn, David, Claudia, Avery, Grady, Everett and Garrett; siblings, Dennis Thompson (Sammy) of St. Louis, MO, Kreta Thompson (Tommy) of Kenai, AK; Marilyn Tamerius (Eddie) of Hannibal, MO; Garland “Butch” Thompson (Tina) of Kenai, AK; Paula Bureman (Andy) of TN; Randy Thompson (Lana) of Stockman, KS; Jerry Thompson (Hope) of Soldnota, AK; Jody Thompson (Dana) of Loveland, CO; and Tammy Everhart of Dallas, TX; sister-in-laws, Faye Shields (Terry) of Prince Frederick, MD; and Terry Shannon (Jeff) of Huntingtown, MD. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Luann Thompson; in-laws, Elliott and Virginia Sheckells and sister-in-law, Shirley Mae Wentz.