November 24, 1951 – May 3, 2020
Jeffrey “Jeff” J. Thompson, 68, Hinckley, Ill., passed away on May 3, 2020 surrounded by the love and prayers of his family following a brief but fierce battle with cancer.
Jeff was born November 24, 1951, in Sheridan to proud parents, Larue and Waneta (Walker) Thompson. Jeff grew up in Sheridan and attended local schools. He graduated from Sheridan High School with the class of 1970 and continued his education at Indiana University, graduating in 1974.
Jeff and Kathy Piper met while working together in Peoria. A friendship bloomed into something more and on April 7, 1979 they were united in marriage. They were blessed with two children, Suzanne and Scott.
He worked 19 years for Lucent Technologies in Naperville. Later he would work as a flight dispatcher for various airlines. He and Kathy were members of the Elburn Community Congregational Church, and Jeff was a member of the E.A.A., the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Jeff’s passion for aviation soared after earning his private pilot’s license, and he enjoyed flying the friendly skies with family and friends. He dedicated time both on land and in the air to the Young Eagles Program, which encouraged the love of flying to youths aged 8 to 17 years. Jeff also participated in the “Angel Flight” program where private pilots gave free rides to those needing medical care a great distance from their homes. When he wasn’t pursuing the horizon, Jeff indulged in his love of basketball. He played recreationally with a group of friends and alumni at North Central College in Naperville, who called themselves the “Noon Ballers.” He also was very proud of his Hoosier background and cheered loudly and often for his Indiana University alma mater. In addition, he was a supporter of North Central College Cardinals and the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, what Jeff loved most was his family. When cancer came to call, he fought it with his mind, body and soul, fighting for every second, including to be there for the private but much celebrated wedding of his daughter. He may not have been able to physically dance with Suzanne, but nothing could keep him from looking on proudly. His loss only a day later capped a life well lived, a heart well loved, and a legacy of memories that will stand the test of time.
Jeff is survived by his loving wife, Kathy Thompson; two children, Suzanne Thompson (Don Griffin) and Scott (Kayla) Thompson, and their two children, Owen and Evan; two brothers, Butch (Gloria) Thompson and Randy (Liz) Thompson; and nieces, nephews and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Larue and Waneta Thompson, as well as his brother. Don Thompson.
Jeff will be laid to rest at Crown View Cemetery in Sheridan.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made directly to: Elburn Community Congregational Church: elburn-ucc.org; North Central College Athletic Department: northcentralcardinals.com; Young Eagles: eaa.org/eea/youth/free-ye-flights; or The American Cancer Society: donate3.cancer.org.
Condolences: kerchevalfuneralhome.com