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Jesse Thompson Obituary
Jesse Thompson, former SDSU quarterback, long time coach, referee and community college instructor who dedicated decades of service to the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, passed away peacefully in hospice care at the age of 93.
Born to a navy family, Jesse spent his early years in Charleston SC and Norfolk VA. In September 1941 the family relocated to Honolulu HI, his father onboard the USS Curtiss. On Sunday Dec 7, Jesse, on Ford Island just yards away from Battleship Row, experienced first hand the Japanese aerial attack on Pearl Harbor, an event that would forever shape his life.
After the war, the family moved to San Diego, where Jesse made his mark as a multi-sport standout at St Augustine High. He was selected All Catholic League quarterback in 1946 and named Breitbard Hall of Champions Athlete of the Month for Oct after a record setting 17 consecutive pass completions.
Jesse played college ball at San Diego State. In 1951 the lefty led the Aztecs to an undefeated season and a Pineapple Bowl victory. After college he was selected to the USA Pan American basketball team, and in 2014 was inducted into the SD County Sports Officials Hall of Fame in honor of his 23 years as a top rated football and basketball referee.
Prior to 40 years at Mesa College as a counselor and psychology professor, Jesse taught and coached football for 10 years at SD City College. He retired in 2002 as the longest tenured instructor in the district.
Jesse had a passion for military history and was a staunch patron of the USS Midway and AeroSpace museum. Determined to preserve the legacy of the Greatest Generation, he chaired the PHSA Speakers Bureau, marched in countless parades and delivered over 400 classroom presentations. He proudly hosted Pearl Harbor Club gatherings every Wednesday for over 20 years at his home in Bonita. His goal, to "keep the spirit alive."
Jesse Thompson will be remembered for his humble manner, sense of humor, and selfless compassion. His legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of those whose lives he touched.
Preceded in death by his parents, brother, and former wife Evelyn, Jesse is survived by his loving children Jessie Lynn Robinson and James Thompson, grandson Wesley Bertelsen (Amber), wife Elaine A. Thompson, step-children Heidi Goldman and Robert Petrie, and many cherished friends. He will be deeply missed. The family is planning a private memorial.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Jesse Thompson
LCDR Robert Griffin
August 20, 2024
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 an extraordinary gentleman who graciously opened his home to these men, helping to preserve their stories and educate others. I am deeply saddened to hear that Jesse is no longer with us. May God bless him; I am certain he has a special place in heaven.
Richard & Sharon Haney Gonzalez
June 26, 2022
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!
Steve Aldridge
April 26, 2022
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
David Ybarra
April 23, 2022
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. I am sadden by his passing.
My condolences to the Thompson Family.
Joseph and Annette Fritzenkotter
April 19, 2022
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.
Bobby Mendoza
April 18, 2022
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.
Judge Victor Bianchini
April 17, 2022
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!
Dean Dilley
April 17, 2022
Jim. Sorry to read of your father´s passing. He was a San Diego sports and teaching legend. Condolences to your family. Dean Dilley
John Orendain
April 17, 2022
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.
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