Jesse Andrew Thompson

Twenty years ago, I had the profound honor and privilege of visiting Jesse's home as a Petty Officer First Class for the Wednesday gathering of the Pearl Harbor Survivors. What an incredible group of heroes they were. During that visit, I had the chance to meet remarkable individuals, including the first Filipino pilot, ten of the thirty-two sailors who were rescued from the hull of the capsized USS Oklahoma (BB-37), a Marine who endured the Bataan Death March, and so many others. Jesse was...

Jesse was a big part of my Dad´s life during the Pearl Harbor get together at his home! He was a driving force for the Pearl Harbor Survivors! My dad, Kenneth Haney has passed but would be very upset at Jesse´s passing! We send our sympathy!

One summer years ago Jesse worked at the OB Rec...He taught us kids many things that we would carry throughout our lives...Always upbeat, and just a good guy....R.I.P. old friend

I was honor to have met Jesse. Because of him, I got to know so many Pearl Harbor Survivors and veterans from other wars. Jesse and many of the Pearl Harbor Survivors would come to my classes and speak about their experiences. If anything, my students knew and learned about December 7, 1941. He invited and welcomed me to attend the weekly Pearl Harbor meetings at his home. I was learning history from the Greatest Generation. It was an event that I looked forward to attending every Wednesday....

In memory of Jesse, the Class of 1947 at Saint Augustine High School, are offering up our prayers for him and his entire family. May he rest in peace.

I was honored to know Jesse and to be around him through sports, teaching, and refereeing. He was one of the nicest and most humble person I've ever been associated with. His family should be so proud of what he contributed to and the lives he influenced through his coaching, counseling, teaching, and everything else he did that touched so many people. Jesse made an indelible mark. May he rest in peace.

Coach Thompson was my "B" basketball coach from 1954, 55' and 56' at San Diego High School. He was such a terrific coach who had a great impact on me with his leadership and character. I often thought of him over the years and always wished that I could talk to him and thank him for his place in my life, but never found him. Here he was just a stone's throw away. I will always regret I didn't have closure with him. Rest In Peace Coach! You were the best!

Jim. Sorry to read of your father´s passing. He was a San Diego sports and teaching legend. Condolences to your family. Dean Dilley

I saw Jesse's obituary in the Union-Trib. Always sad to read of someone's passing. He was coach Thompson to me. My first football coach at Seaview Pop Warner, his son, Jimmy was our QB. He was so impactful to me, gave me confidence and motivated me. I've always carried fond memories of coach. It was only one season, 53 years ago, but in life you never know who you touch.