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John Thompson Obituary

John Robert 'JR' Thompson ROCKFORD - John Robert "JR" Thompson passed away Friday, Nov. 19, 2010, after a short illness, a completion of his life that began Dec. 12, 1934. Wrapped in 75 years of life was his love for Royce, his wife of 54 years, and his daughter Kay, both of whom still survive. He is also survived by six brothers and four sisters, Russell (Delores), Deward (Alma), Dearl (Lorraine), Bearl (Josephine), Veris (Shelia) and Kenneth (Jan) Thompson, Ophelia Wilkins, Jessie (Jack) McCanless, Elwanda (Frank) Gwinn and Kathy (Eugene) Cambron; and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and two brothers. JR was committed to God and was a longtime member of the Rockford Seventh Day Adventist Church before helping to start the Belvidere church. He gave countless hours of volunteer service to his church, along with prison ministry, and his musical gifts were enjoyed at local retirement homes. He was an avid gardener who loved to share the fruits of his labor with friends and strangers alike. JR's specialty was electronics, and after years of service at various repair places in Rockford, he established North Park TV Service. A memorial service to celebrate JR's life will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23, in Rockford Seventh Day Adventist Church, 325 N. Alpine Road. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family. Arrangements were completed by Honquest Family Funeral Home with Crematory, Rockford Chapel, 4311 N. Mulford Road. To send condolences, visit honquestfh. com.

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Published by Rockford Register Star from Nov. 22 to Nov. 23, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
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November 23, 2010

Kay, I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your father. I will definitely be praying that God strengthens you and your family during this difficult time.

All in Christ shall be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:52).
Love you
Andy Pinney

Bill Cork

November 23, 2010

I'll always treasure my memories of his friendship. I'm glad we were able to spend a little time together this summer. Our prayers are with you, Royce and Kay.

"But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words." 1 Thess 4:13-18

Jane Hester

November 23, 2010

Kay,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father, sending thoughts and prayers for you and your family.

Steve & Edna Baptist

November 23, 2010

Dear Royce and family, Your are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. We,as well as others, were always so appreciative of JR's willingness to lead out, and cover for us at times with Sunshine Bands. He certainly brought a lot of sunshine to many, many people! Praise God for the hope we blessed hope we have because of our precious Savior, Jesus. God bless you.

Mike Throgmartin

November 23, 2010

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this difficult time. We would like to extend our deepest sympathies for your loss.

Annie Bridgewater

November 23, 2010

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

November 22, 2010

My dearest friend Kay and Mom Royce, our hearts are full for you. We pray our Father will comfort your hearts with the many, many wonderful memories of a wonderful father, husband and friend. My fondest memories are of him saying " That Pat is a good cat". He always had a good joke or story to make you smile and how he always amazed us all with his Bible knowledge. What a heart full of God's love that he freely shared with all those around him be it through his garden produce, a kind word or prayer, or prison ministries or any of the many other ways that he freely gave of himself. We will surely miss his wonderful laughter and warm brown eyes twinkling when he talked about his "sugarplum" or his latest garden prize. Our prayers are with you both and Abdul through this time. We all look forward to that Day! With much love, hugs, and prayers - Pat James, Jason and Sabrina Giordano, Andy and Adrienne Pinney.

Glenda Martinez

November 22, 2010

Royce and Kay,
John and I want to extend our deepest sympathies to you. We are going to miss John Robert. You were both there for us, from the very beginning of our life together, and for that we are truly blessed and thankful. He was a true man of his faith and that was something that was admirable. We love you and Kay very much and will be here for you whenever, wherever, day, night, or in between! God grant you peace.
Love John and Glenda

Michelle Martinez

November 22, 2010

Although we lived miles apart, you were never very far from my heart. Fond memories of times at Granny Gertie's on summer visits. The most precious visit was the one I was blessed with this past summer to see you. Always the funny uncle I remember and an uncle I admired for your faith, honor and convictions. I will miss you. I love you.
F.A and Katydid - I love you. My deepest sympathies,
Love, F.N.

Uncle J.R, F.A, and Me - July 2010

Michelle Martinez

November 22, 2010

November 22, 2010

Dearest Mom and Kay,

My thoughts and prayers are with you both. Dad was such a special and wonderful person. Good memories of him through the years, which remain with me. The Lord is with you -He will carry you both through this difficult time. I love you-Moon

Pastor Blaine

November 22, 2010

I keep hearing so many nice things about JR from members in the Rockford Seventh-day Adventist Church who knew him for years. He was a special man, and will be greatly missed! Good night, JR, until the morning when Jesus comes to awake you.

Becky Bolton

November 22, 2010

Kay, You and your Mother have my deepest sympathy. May you find comfort in knowing that your Dad is now in such a beautiful place. My Love and Prayers are with you.
Becky Bolton

Teresa Hutchison

November 22, 2010

Dear Kay & Aunt Royce,

We are so sorry for your loss. We will all miss Uncle J.R. I will never forget how fun it always was when you all came to visit. He always made us feel loved, & that is a special gift. Mom will miss him so much. She always enjoyed their phone conversations. We will keep you both in our prayers. Love to you both. Teresa, Ladonna & Mom..aka..Jessie Mae.

Molly Hansen

November 22, 2010

Kay, my heart is very heavy for you and your mom and family to hear of the sudden loss of your dad. My prayer is that you find comfort in the knowledge that your heavenly Father will hold in his loving arms and give you the strength to see you through.

Sarry Moscatel

November 22, 2010

Mom and Kay,
I read a saying "the toughest moments in life don't break us ---they make us". Time and prayers are the keys to healing the pain and loss you are going through. I want you both to know I have so many happy wonderful memories of dad. He was unique in how he lived life and shared his experiences. My love and support goes out to you both. Dad was a blessing to all of us. Love you, Sarry

November 22, 2010

Aunt Royce and Kay, words cannot say how much Uncle JR will be missed. He was truly a special man. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you both at this time and forever. May God Bless you both, We Love You. Love Pam & Denny Nagel

Veris Thompson

November 22, 2010

Royce and Kay,May God hold you in his loving hands.We will be in constant prayer for you both.I know this is a hard time for all of us.If me and Shelia can help in any way let us know.We love you.Veris and Shelia.

Doris and Lynn Morrison

November 22, 2010

Kay, Abdul and mom, so sorry to hear about your dad, Kay. He was truly a very wonderful, special person, so kindhearted and close to Christ. You are in our thoughts and prayers. In your darkest moments, just remember that in a very short time Jesus is coming again, and we will all be united again with Him.

Julie Opdahl and staff at WPSI

November 22, 2010

Kay, you and your mother have our deepest sympathies. We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Wishing you the best during this stressful time.

Don Percy

November 22, 2010

Thinking of you in your time of loss. God Bless! Don Percy

veris Thompson

November 22, 2010

JR,I will miss you so much!You were truly
a special brother!We'll meet again someday brother in that special home The Lord has prepaired for us!And may the Lord Jesus walk and care for Royce and Kay untill then.I know he will.Your loving brother Veris.

Diane Tvrdy

November 22, 2010

Kay,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your mother. I want you to know that I am hugging you right now and keeping you in my heart. I'm deeply sorry for the loss of your father.

Georgia Furnish

November 22, 2010

Royce and kay,I am so sorry to hear about John death,I am at my daughters for the holiday's in Pittsfield,Ma.and won't be at the memoial but my thoughts and prayers will be with you.Will call you when I get back home in Dec.God Bless You All,Love,Georgia Furnish

Kim Baldwin

November 22, 2010

My heartfelt prayers and warm thoughts are sent to all of you at this time. Mr. Thompson was a good man who built a legacy to all who knew him. There is no doubt he will be deeply missed, but cherished in the many wonderful memories created throughout the years. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. With love and friendship! Kim

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