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John Thompson Obituary
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118 Entries
Rose M Spears
February 26, 2022
Thanks Coach!
Mary Beth Price
February 15, 2021
Just found about the passing of Coach Thompson while watching g a college game with Fla St and Virginia. Saddened to find out this news. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Spartoathenian pathfinder club First SDA church
October 10, 2020
To the family, I just want to express gratitude for the remarkable man that was John Thompson, he shared his time and talents with many young people in our community. He took time to visit my church many years ago. He spoke words of encouragement to a group of young people called Pathfinders. We are eternally grateful for this. May his memory and legacy be a source of encouragement and comfort to his family in their time of grief
Darren Burse
October 3, 2020
May your soul rest in peace with our Lord in Savior Jesus christ in bless your family with prayer a Hoyas fan from new Orleans La mr Burse
How you can show support
Tony
September 30, 2020
To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful man Mr. John Thompson fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. We hope many of the encouraging words and thoughts on this site comforts you during this difficult time also. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives.
Monster Jones
September 27, 2020
God Bless The Coaches Family And Him For Standing Tall
Darryl Smith
September 12, 2020
Coach Thompson touched the lives of many young and talented athletes on the DC playgrounds. He spoke very little to us about sports but much more about preparing for the challenges and opportunities life will present. He asked us what we planned to do after finishing school or playing in the pros. We all got the benefit of his time and words of wisdom which, several decades later, I still cherish. May Coach rest in peace and may God bless and keep watch on his family.
Anne Brunson
September 10, 2020
Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal
Kenny Wilkes
September 10, 2020
I would like to extend my condolences and prayers to the family of Coach Thompson. I never had the pleasure of meeting Coach Thompson but he was truly an inspiration to me. I am grateful to have been influenced by him from afar. Rest up Coach.
Greta Elliott-Meredith
September 10, 2020
I have been in his presence at mass many Sundays at St. Augustine Church and I found it to be quite captivating and peaceful. Because we were at church, never once did I ask and even think to get a picture with this enchanting soul. Maybe I should have after mass but I believe everyone deserves there private time to pray and reflect on the presence of God. Rest In Peace
Valerie Chapman
September 10, 2020
My condolences and prayers
Granville bell
September 10, 2020
Followed this great man's towering influence since his time at Saint Anthony's .The reason I follow college basketball at all. RIP big fella!
Millicent Brown
September 10, 2020
May you rest in peace Grandma was at the gate waiting on you to come The Stewart Family
Grady Paige
September 9, 2020
So respected
Julain Edwards
September 9, 2020
Praying for his family!
Lawrence Jones
September 9, 2020
RIP
September 9, 2020
Thanks Coach
Vince Cain
September 9, 2020
R.I.P Coach Thompson. I would like to thank you for being an positive role model for young black men. You will be missed.
Barbara Douglas
September 9, 2020
RIP, Coach Thompson . I was so glad to have met you while caring for Coach Red Auerbach . You were a delight to meet and a blessing to me and DC . Blessings to the entire Thompson family - nurse barbie
Leonard Hudson
September 9, 2020
John Thompson was great man. He was serious about life success. He was dedicated to be the very best in all of his challenges, He helped most of the Black basketball players to get their degrees after basketball. He was a sincere friend and never forgot where he came from. He was a local D.C native who achieve many firsts. He was humble and understood the challenges of life. God bless your family and Thank You.
Joseph Hawkins
September 9, 2020
Rest in Peace "Big John", You have been a hero of mine since High School, and continued to be a credit to your legacy ,throughout your entire life . Thank you for all you did . Your example helped make my life better and fulfilled my life through your efforts and success. For how you lived, I am eternally grateful . I am glad to have known you and appreciate what you meant to me and my family. Love and fond memories to your family and friends. We will always remember you and keep you in our prayers.
Bonita Barnes
September 9, 2020
Rest in heavenly peace Mr Thompson. Thank you for your many years of service in the basketball arena. You will be truly missed!!!
Barnes family
Edward Rodgers
September 9, 2020
My condolences go out to the family of John Thompson. Rest In Peace, Big John.
LeeRoy
September 8, 2020
My condolences go out to the family of John Thompson. He was a positive figure in the sports world. He set a good example for his players and fans. He will be missed by his family and sports fans. Again so sorry for your loss.
David C
September 8, 2020
Coach Thompson was a towering person in so many ways. He was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a teacher, a father, a friend and so much more to so many. May the God of tender mercies and of all comfort strengthen and sustain his family and many friends now and in the days to come.
Gerard Noles
September 7, 2020
Thompson family,
Georgetown was my favorite
College basketball team and
Coach John Thompson was my
favorite coach, he really showed
that he cared genuinely for his players, just a class act man.
RIP,
God bless
Mr and Mrs Gerard Noles
Mesquite, tx
September 7, 2020
My deepest condolences to the family. May you find comfort in your treasured memories of Your loved one and May God continue to comfort you in the days, months and years ahead.
Kevin Washington
September 7, 2020
Rest Easy Big John! I remember going to the mall and begging my mom for a Georgetown Starter Jacket. She told me "No" but she got me a T-shirt and a hat. You made Georgetown cool but most of all you made us proud and want to do our best! Rest In Power, your work is done!
September 6, 2020
When I was a student nurse at Rhode Island Hospital and doing my OB rotation at Providence Lying In we students would go across the street to Providence College and watch John Thompson play. I later worked at Georgetown Hospital and had many an opportunity to watch this wonderful man coach. What a loss.
Sylvester Arrington
September 6, 2020
My condolences to the family. He will be greatly miss.
Raymond Hairston
September 6, 2020
Thank you Coach Thompson! You definitely moved the culture chains forward. You will be missed immensely. May God be with your family!!!!! HoyaLife!!!
September 6, 2020
Many thanks Mr. Thompson, may God be with the Thompson family as they mourn the loss of an amazing basketball coaching talent.
Charles Kornmann
September 6, 2020
My condolences go out to the Thompson family. My dad was a law school graduate and introduced me to Hoya basketball. I attended camp in 1984 and 1985. I was in awe of the whole environment. Coach taught all the kids the basics of basketball and more importantly life lessons. I always liked how important that was to him. To be honest, compassionate and to just do the right thing! I was able to get a picture with my father and Big John at the sweet 16 years ago. RIP coach, you will be missed dearly.
James Benjamin
September 5, 2020
To the Thompson Family:
I was deeply saddened to hear of Coach Thompson's passing. As a kid growing up in D.C. in the mid-80s, I always had Georgetown basketball on the TV. We were filled with pride when Georgetown won the NCAA championship in 1984. My friends and I would play basketball and drill jumpers, thinking we were Reggie and the Miracles.
I remember going to Coach's basketball camp at Georgetown University. I remember my first day going to his camp. I was 11 and I rolled into McDonough Arena with my new Lakers hat. One of the counselors pointed to my hat, and I said "it is a nice hat isn't it?" Coach came up behind me and bellowed "he means take your hat off son!" I took that hat off so fast! And I never wore a hat inside anywhere again in life! (LOL)
I enjoyed my years going to Coach Thompson's camp. So many fond memories playing basketball and listening to Coach. I learned so much at his camp, not just about basketball, but about life. Years later, I would occasionally see him at Arundel Mills Mall and we would exchange pleasantries.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
RIP Coach. You will truly be missed.
Loretha Jenkins
September 5, 2020
Coach, you were simply the Best.
Toni Edwards
September 5, 2020
My deepest condolences to Coach John Thompson family, friends and love ones. Job well done, sir. May your rest in heavenly peace forever. Proud of you!
Garry Wilson
September 5, 2020
Big John ....you saved my Life so many times in time of need.....I should have been there...to not say goodbye......but to Thank You over and over again.........you took me to a whole new Level......to help people along the way......I'm not the only one who will miss You.....The World is Going to Miss You......You will Live in our Hearts.....Big John........(GW)
Aryn Coleman
September 4, 2020
My condolences to the family. I started watching basketball in 1983 at the age of 8 because of coach Thompson and the Hoyas. I am now 45 and have taken my 10 year old son to Georgetown games for the past 5 years. I feel like coach was my coach as well. He will be missed and he truly had an effect on my generation. He showed us what it looked like to be a strong black man on TV who stood up for what he believed in. Rest in power
Wade Allen
September 4, 2020
I send my condolences to the family & friends of "Coach Thompson. I always admired his intellect and toughness from afar. He will be truly missed.
September 4, 2020
Deeply sorry to the Thompson family for your loss. John Thompson left a huge impact on the NBA and on the players he coached and knew him. May God heal your hearts with his tender mercies and abundant loving care.
"Butch" Fenwick
September 4, 2020
You were always a regular, along with so many other future DC Greats, at #2 Police Boys Club, 3rd and K Street, NW. (near the old Ice House). Those John Carroll High teams, 1958-60 City Champions, featuring you, John Austin and George Leftwich were lengendary in the DMV. I'll always remember 1963-64, and the encouraging pep talk you gave me in the Weight Room at the Club, while I was training for my Senior Year of Football at Eastern High School in NE, DC. You were there working out and perparing to play for "Red" and the Boston Celtics. Years later, I'd often see you at the National Shrine with your personal driver. John you were our local hero growing up in Old DC. John I love and miss your being among us, during these difficult times. Bless you my childhood friend and lifelong hero. RIP
Rashad Hawkins
September 4, 2020
As a kid growing up in Washington, D.C. he show me at an early age to stand up for what you believe in as a black man. He was the first black man that I saw on TV in a position of authority and demanded respect from everyone black and white. It was always an honor to go see my Hoyas play at the Cap Centre. You will be truly missed Coach Thompson. WE LOVE YOU AND REST EASY
Dr. Michael V. Bowie
September 4, 2020
Uncle John, I remember in basketball camp when I was at Georgetown how bad I was and you told me, "you are smart and talented, go out there and try a little harder." I was destined not to become a basketball player, but the message was clear and I remember it today. Thanks for your inspiration, your love, and your sternness when I sometimes I was wayward. God has a special place for you!
September 4, 2020
My heart goes out to the Thompson family, may God be your strength and comfort at this very difficult time of your loss.
M.D. Murphy
September 3, 2020
Coach Thompson was the Real Deal - Admired by all who recognized excellency and decency. It was about much more than B-ball. Thanks to his family for sharing him with the world. We Truly Loved Him.
Gwen Green
September 3, 2020
My memory was while I babysit his sisters children he came home and we ate ice cream and cake he was really tall and skinny I was about 11 or so my mom use to do his sisters hair and his moms his parents use to sit on the front and spend time relaxing. Our neighborhood was really nice in North East Washington he had his towel with him even then. Sending prayers to his family
Gwen Green
Tom Spevak
September 3, 2020
My special memory: Coach Thompson, sitting amongst other notable NCAA coaches at Shapiro's in Indianapolis one summer night in the mid 90's a couple of tables away from my family, and playing peek a boo from afar with my 3 year old son. We never got to thank you for that special spontaneous sign of warmth to our little guy that night. But we'll always remember you for being so much more than the great coach you were. Still smiling thinking about it. RIP.
Yvonne Price
September 3, 2020
I really enjoyed watching basketball when John Thompson was the coach at Georgetown. I was sad when he left. He will be truly missed.
Charlie Benson
September 3, 2020
So sorry to learn of the death of Coach Thompson.He was a mentor and a friend. He taught me by example and he was a loving human being. Sending condolences to his family and friends.
Leslie Brooks
September 3, 2020
I remember meeting you for the first time in 1974 at a Hoya's game and all I could think was he's tall. RIP Coach. Leslie Brooks. Ft Worth Texas
Matt
September 3, 2020
Made the Hoyas what they are. A rare person we may never see again. Will be remembered forever.
Christopher Ray
September 3, 2020
One of GREATEST
September 3, 2020
Condolences to family and friends. So sorry to hear of Mr. Thompson’s death. My family loved to watch him coach Georgetown. May loving memories and prayers be a source of comfort to your family.
Alfreda Valentine
September 3, 2020
Wow! Mr. Thompson was our coach and Georgetown was our town. Thete was Georgetown gear everywhere. My heart goes out to his sons and his former players who adored him. I adored him.
Melissa Decker
September 3, 2020
John Thompson was a good man and a great coach. Prayers for his family and friends.
Marcus Harris
September 3, 2020
I never personally met Coach Thompson but he has truly been an example in my life. As a basketball coach, you saw his commitment to his players and the program. He knew the game of basketball but he really cared about the person he coached and saved many lives throughout his tenure. I only hope that I can be half the coach and a quarter of the man Coach Thompson was. Take your Rest King, job well done!!!
September 3, 2020
Heartfelt condolences to the Thompson family, truly sorry for the loss of John, there are many that are so grateful for his hard work. He will be greatly missed. May God comfort and strengthen all of you in your time of sorrow.
LaDora Wilcox
September 3, 2020
To The Thompson Family
My Condolences and Prayers
Thank you for sharing Mr John
With the world His Legacy
Will last forever
RIH
September 2, 2020
An amazing coach, his contributions to college basketball will never be forgotten. Deepest condolences to the Thompson family, may God be with all of you at this very difficult time of your loss.
Russ Potts
September 2, 2020
Big John & I were close friends for over 50 years. We created some of college basketball greatest events. The John Thompson Foundation Classics which befriended hundreds of deserving kids. He was a giant of a man with a huge heart, full of love & compassion. John will go down in history for his contributions to Georgetown & the nation & city he loved. I have lost one of my closest friends and there is a big hole in my heart.
Eddie/ Patty Wallace
September 2, 2020
Sincere and Heartfelt condolences to the Thompson family. A lot of people were blessed to have him present.
ECSU Atlanta Metro Alumni Chapter (AMAC) Since 1978
Dr. Charles L. Singleton
September 2, 2020
In Memoriam, Coach John Thompson's amazing basketball legacy will continue to live on in our memories and hearts forevermore. Our prayers of faith, hope and thanks, are for John Thompson's family, friends, basketball players and fans, USA and abroad.
Alumni Vikings,
Elizabeth City State University Atlanta Metro Alumni Chapter
Melanie Harris
September 2, 2020
God bless, praying for your wife and sons strength.
September 2, 2020
My heartfelt condolences go out to the Thompson family. Coach Thompson was a tall, gentle giant with a heart to help anybody that crossed his path. As a teenager, I met Coach over 40 years ago while hanging around watching basketball games at the McDonough gym. What a legend!! May God continue to bless the Thompson family. RIP Coach!
Freddie Murphy( one of Coach John Thompson Biggest fan)
September 2, 2020
My prayers and condolences to Coach John Thompson’s family I loved what MR Thompson stood for and the way he protected his players the Hoya’s was a force to be reckoned with in the early 80’s &late 90’s.i will never forget how he gave Mr Allen Iverson a 2nd chance. One of his player’s Mr Patrick Ewing was one of my favorite players and later was drafted by by home team the New York Knicks.wishing the family continued blessings.coach John Thompson Rest In Heavenly Peace♂
Janice Williams
September 2, 2020
A great coach that will never be forgotten
Michael Williamson
September 2, 2020
RIP
SHERMAN COLEMAN
September 2, 2020
Mr. Thompson a Legend of Legends. I would like to send my sincerest condolences to the Thompson family. We all are better for having Mr. Thompson share our UNIVERSE with us.
Arthur Iwanicki
September 2, 2020
Learned so much from him on how to coach and how to live. RIP with your sausage sandwich and toes propped up!
Chandler Sirmons
September 2, 2020
Mr. Thompson, I never met you in person but I admired you and your principles for our community. You were a hero to me and many others. I wore my Georgetown jacket with pride because of your charisma and great teams you coached. Being a former college basketball player I truly enjoyed watching you lead those young men. You will be missed in the hearts of many!!
September 2, 2020
To the Family:
Our deepest sympathy
Enjoyed watching Coach T with his players
Attended a game against LSU in New Orleans
One of a kind
Be Blessed
Arian Parker Carter & Jasmine
Miguel Warrick
September 2, 2020
RIP Coach. A true example for all to follow. You will be missed.
BRY
September 2, 2020
Please accept my sincere condolences to the Thompson Family, May Almighty God mend and bind up your grieving hearts with His tender care and loving kindness as you cope with your loss during this very difficult time.
Anthony Amenta
September 2, 2020
My deepest condolences to the Thompson’s family. I never met him but I enjoyed his basketball coaching As well the dedication to young men he help in life.
Lindsay Huntoon
September 2, 2020
Rest in Peace Coach, you were one of the good guys.
Debra Levon Ceol
September 2, 2020
Robert Wood
September 1, 2020
Big John and I attended St Benedict de Moor Catholic Church at 21st and C street NE during our early youth. We attended Browne Junior High School graduating in 1957. Whenever I saw Big John, he mentioned our gym teacher, Mr. Trigg, in very affectionate terms. We also played basketball together on occasion at the Henry T Blow E.S. located at 19th and Benning Rd NE along with Wendell Wills also from St Benedict and Browne Junior High. Big John went on to Archbishop Carroll H S while Wendell and I attended Eastern H.S. in Washington, DC. Ironically, it was Eastern H S that ended Archbishop Carroll's long winning streak. Big John had an outstanding career as a basketball player and coach. I respect Big John even more because he never forgot his roots and was always willing to speak up for the right causes; namely, education and racial equality. He was a man that I admired very much. Well done Big John.
James Glass
September 1, 2020
Proud to have him as my gu coach and most especially my friend. Rest In Peace, I love you.
Christopher M. Green Sr.
September 1, 2020
Thanks coach for being an example to me as a young high school athlete in 1984. Thank you for showing me you must stand for something and someone other than yourself. We all in sports are so grateful for you. Thanks for helping young black men from the inner city to get an opportunity for education. RIP FOREVER
Greg Gibadlo
September 1, 2020
Meet him the evening of his high school basketball game his senior year, John Carroll vs. Georgetown Freshman. He was a polite and strong willed. Talented and courteous. He never changed. A great man to be admired.
Dee Massey
September 1, 2020
My condolences to the family was a great coach an Blessed so many people may you rest in peace
Harry Simpson
September 1, 2020
Godspeed John, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the wonderful NCAA basketball memories.
Linda Oneill
September 1, 2020
Thank you for all you did for my family. As a white mom raising an adopted back child I made sure my son followed your example of being tough but fair, giving young men chances they might not have had, and making sure each and everyone of them had a chance to get a good education. My son is a teacher in Boston now and is a HOYA for life. Rest In Peace sir and know you were loved and respected by many.
Mindy Fleishman
September 1, 2020
I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the Thompson family. John and Patrick made me a fanatical Hoya basketball fan . John’s racial injustice work is so desperately needed now !He is beloved and will be greatly missed forever. Mindy Fleishman GU SFS’75
Richard Daley
September 1, 2020
To the John Thompson Family,
With my sincere condolences, from a friend and long time supporter.
Rich Daley
V. Bradford
September 1, 2020
May you all be blessed and hold on to your faith during this difficult time. I am a former METRO Bus Operator. During the late 80's to early 90's, Mr. Thompson would have conversations with me about the pedestrian traffic heading to the bus stop located on 16th street near his home. I was a homeowner and understood his concerns. God bless you all.
Rose Garcia-Jefferson
September 1, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Thank you Coach for all you LOVE..
Conrad Ward
September 1, 2020
You gave me some wonderful years to remember RIP AATW
Angela Martin
September 1, 2020
Dear John Thompson Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I wish you comfort in the strength and love Coach Thompson gave to you and others. Coach Thompson and my father, Coach Ed Martin were close friends in brotherhood, for a lifetime. I will be forever grateful to be invited by your dad to spend the last day on the air of his "John Thompson" sports talk radio show. I will always remember that special day, and when my father passed, your father sharing stories about my dad being his mentor and best friend, over the airways. May our joys be greater, our love be deeper and our lives be fuller from the joy of sharing lives with our dear fathers. May we carry on the light of what our fathers taught to other other young people, for generations to come.
Angela Martin - Gaithersburg, MD.
Stephanie Schell
September 1, 2020
You will be remembered.
Stephanie Schell
September 1, 2020
Paved the way for African American coaches.
Cas
September 1, 2020
My sincere condolence to the family and friends of John Thompson he was an amazing coach he will be missed by so many,may God comfort your hearts and grant you please during this most difficult time
sharon fillyaw
August 31, 2020
Coach Thompson was an integral part of the Georgetown family and an inspiration to all the African American students - he will be missed!
Tonya C
August 31, 2020
Rest in Peace Coach!!!!
Timothy Munn
August 31, 2020
A great example for others to follow, a Great father, Great Coach and a Great Human Being! R.I.P. Coach.
Steve Ashley - Winston-Salem NC
August 31, 2020
RIP Mr. Thompson. Thanks for your contributions to the game of basketball. My condolences to the Thompson family. Great leadership example. God Bless
MR.& MRS. CHARLES G TURNER, SR & FAMILY
August 31, 2020
WE WERE SORRY TO HEAR OF MR. THOMPSON'S DEATH. HE WAS A GREAT COACH AND AN INSPIRATION TO MANY FAMOUS BASKET BALL PLAYERS . WE HOPE THE FOLLOWING WORDS WILL BE A COMFORT TO HIS FAMILY.
It’s God’s Will And We Must Comply
By: Charles G. Turner, Sr.
Life is uncertain,
But as sure as we are born one day we must die
Sometimes we sit and wonder why
The fact is it’s God’s will and we must comply.
Throughout our lives we live through happiness and sadness
And many toils and strife
And when our earthly life is over we enter into our “eternal life”
Whenever a loved one or friend makes their earthly depart
It is natural for it to bring hurt and sorrow to our heart
And to deal with our loss we grieve, mourn, and cry
In all essence we must remember this is God’s will
And we all must comply
For those of us that are left behind
We must cherish the special memories
And keep them all in mind
Just remember it is not for
us to question why we have to die
It’s God’s will and we all have to comply
May God Bless and comfort all of you
JE Sowell
August 31, 2020
John Thompson will be missed. He inspired many young black athletes to study and to work hard to achieve their goals. A very good role model. Sincere condolences to his family and many dear friends.
faith/rory tobin/dockett
August 31, 2020
Dear Thompson Family Rory and I sincerely wish to extend our condolences's to the Thompson Family on the loss of John Thompson./he'll surely be missed very very much/may he rest in peace.best faith/rory
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