Blog

If you are the site owner (or you manage this site), please whitelist your IP or if you think this block is an error please open a support ticket and make sure to include the block details (displayed in the box below), so we can assist you in troubleshooting the issue. Jerry Thompson, 81, born to Leroy & Jurilean (Nee Washington) Thompson on June 28, 1941, in Memphis, TN, United States, passed away March 12, 2023. Jerry was a proud Army military veteran and retired Police Sergent with State Police and California Highway Patrol. Jerry Thompson leaves behind his wife of fifty years, Rosemary C. Thompson, his children Rosie Powers and Jerry Thompson jr. along with his siblings, Richard Thompson, Gwendolyn Rivers and Lottie Thompson and grandsons Cruz Powers and Dylan Thompson. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Covina Hills, CA. FOREST LAWN MEMORIAL-PARKS & MORTUARIES | Arcadia – FD 2186 | Cathedral City – FD 1847 | City of Industry – FD 2121 | Coachella – FD 640 | Covina Hills – FD 1150 | Cypress – FD 1051 | Glendale – FD 656 | Hollywood Hills – FD 904 | Indio – FD 967 | Long Beach – FD 1151 | Whittier – FD 2302

He is survived by his sister Patsy Thompson Hall (John) of North Potomac, MD, his sister-in-law Kathleen Thompson of Raleigh, NC, nieces, Tracey (Bart), Chris (Bill), Pauline (Ray), nephew John David Thompson and many great-nieces and nephews.Jerry lived most of his life in Star, NC. After high school, he received an Associate Degree in Art from Wingate College, a Bachelor Degree of Arts from Wake Forest University and achieved his Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC. Jerry began his teaching career at East Montgomery High School in January, 1965. From 1968-1975 he taught in Raeford, NC at Hoke County High School where Mr. Raz Autry was principal. He then returned to East Montgomery and taught until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Thompson was named Hoke County High School and East Montgomery “Teacher of the Year”. During the 1960’s, he was chairman of the State Future Teachers of America Advisory Council. He taught all senior English courses at EMHS, as well as Yearbook and Journalism. He had many fond memories of his Yearbook staff and all that they accomplished. While at East, he also helped to coordinate each year’s graduation. He was famous for greeting his students with a hug or a handshake before receiving their diplomas. In his retirement year, he was the speaker for the Class of 2000. Mr. Thompson had a love of teaching, learning, people, the church, travel, theater and of course – food! He made everyone he touched feel special. He was a member of Star First Baptist Church for all his life. He played the organ, piano, directed the choir, and sang in the choir. He was active in Star’s Christmas Parade for many years and was Grand Marshall one year. He organized a Christmas Luncheon for the Retired Teacher’s Association for many years.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 30, 2022 at First Baptist Church of Star at 11:00 am with the Rev. Ralph Smith and Rev. Jimmy Shirlen officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.Jerry began his teaching career at East Montgomery High School in January, 1965. From 1968-1975 he taught in Raeford, NC at Hoke County High School where Mr. Raz Autry was principal. He then returned to East Montgomery and taught until his retirement in 2000. Mr. Thompson was named Hoke County High School and East Montgomery “Teacher of the Year”. During the 1960’s, he was chairman of the State Future Teachers of America Advisory Council. He taught all senior English courses at EMHS, as well as Yearbook and Journalism. He had many fond memories of his Yearbook staff and all that they accomplished. While at East, he also helped to coordinate each year’s graduation. He was famous for greeting his students with a hug or a handshake before receiving their diplomas. In his retirement year, he was the speaker for the Class of 2000.Mr. Thompson had a love of teaching, learning, people, the church, travel, theater and of course – food! He made everyone he touched feel special. He was a member of Star First Baptist Church for all his life. He played the organ, piano, directed the choir, and sang in the choir. He was active in Star’s Christmas Parade for many years and was Grand Marshall one year. He organized a Christmas Luncheon for the Retired Teacher’s Association for many years.Jerry “Crabmeat” Thompson was every bit as original as his name. Some people live for money. Others for power. Still more live without knowing what they want, or why. Crabmeat knew early on what he wanted: play a little music, travel to new places, teach a little or a lot, and love his wife Janice with all the admiration and intensity that rivaled the way the sun loves the moon. I know I will hear more from my dear friend. I think I hear him softly strumming on his guitar as I type. Wait, I think he is about to sing us a song…gotta go. My deepest condolences, Janice. Crab was one of a kind, a national treasure. He will be greatly missed by anyone who had the luck to come in contact with him, even for a moment. Please let me know if there is anything you need. Condolences are welcome; however, a remembrance or Crabmeat story would be preferred; these will be collected and made available at the TBA jam session.Janice visited privately with Jerry on Friday, June 25th at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home of Middletown. Jerry’s “mortal coil” was cremated on the morning of June 28th.

With his huge smile, twinkling baby blues, proud baldness, quick wit, devilish sense of humor, and indefatigable energy, Jerry “Crabmeat” lived a BIG life walking through the world in wonderment and seeing no obstacles only opportunities for creating songs, writing, cooking amazing meals, continually learning, and experiencing adventures especially through traveling; but, his greatest love was writing, playing, singing, and most of all performing his songs for an appreciative audience. For those of us lucky enough to have shared his adventures, it has been an unforgettable ride.

We have known him long enough that our great granddaughter has heard his music. His music has been so much a part of our lives! he could be very funny, but deeply spiritual. The music of Spain entered his heart and flew through his fingers. His musical range and love of life have added so much to ours. He was a a quintessential and man of the world at the same time. Our tears are for you, Janice. It seems impossible.Born in Philadelphia while his father was leading Trinidadian troops during World War II, and his mother and aunt were living with their mother awaiting their husbands’ heroic return, Jerry did not meet his father in person until he was two years old. Their trip out West to cowboy country when he was 12 began his life-long love of cowboy songs and remained one of Jerry’s fondest memories of his dad. His early boyhood was blissfully spent in Seattle, Washington swimming in the cold Pacific until a familial move to Wilmington, Delaware. Jerry graduated from Brandywine High School, attending the University of Delaware long enough for his football team to win the 1963 National Championship. However, he did not meet with true scholastic success until he headed to the Midwest attending Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa earning a BA in English with a minor in Spanish in which he became fluent while working a summer construction job and drinking beer with his Mexican amigos. Thence, Jerry continued his studies at Western Illinois University where he earned his MA in English by writing his thesis on Jack Kerouac and commenced teaching.Jerry “Crabmeat” Thompson (a/k/a “Mr. George” to his international students), an ageless Musician/Teacher/Writer who penned Delaware’s unofficial state song “Small Wonder” and a bilingual children’s coloring book “Stretch Saves the Inland Bays”, left behind his “mortal coil” and departed this world on June 22, 2021 at Select Specialty/St. Francis Hospital, Wilmington, Delaware after making a Herculean effort to recover from lung issues. Crab did “not go gently into that dark night, [but continued to] rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

Jerry was predeceased by his father and mother, who were college sweethearts at the University of Delaware, George W. Thompson, Sr. and Helen Layton Thompson; father-in-law, Ken Holsinger (PA); brother-in-law, Tom Dyer (CA); former wife, Lisa; and grandson, Milan Loncar (PA).“For ten years, Crabmeat wrote an award-winning column for ‘Out & About’ magazine. His music has played on Dr. Demento, and he has performed all over North America and in Europe”, Mexico, Spain and Costa Rica. His discography includes “Animals, Vegetables, and Mineral Springs” which was recorded live at the Grand Opera House in Wilmington. One tune “One Ton Tomato” is a Georgia gardening radio show’s theme song. In March 2022, Crabmeat will be inducted into Delaware Rock & Roll Society’s Hall of Fame.“Both Thompson and his wife Janice teach English as a Second Language at the University of Delaware and in Salamanca and Valdelavilla, Spain. His stories about teaching, ‘Fatima’s Flu Shot’ and ‘Mr. Tanimoto’s Hadji’ appeared in ‘Voices,’ an ESL magazine.”

Crabmeat taught my daughter Kim in the 90s and still asked about her at the Delaware Folk Festival before the pandemic; he truly loved his students. The world will miss him for sure.Janice I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your husband. Wish we had been closer so Sue and I could have been there for you. I am praying for you Janice. If you are on Facebook or messenger let me know and we can keep in contact with you if that is ok. God bless you richly Janice.

Mr Thompson is a fantastic teacher and generous human and I shall never forget his lessons and kindness. I have often thought about him over the years since leaving MHS and share stories about my memories of him often. Rage on, Crabmeat.

At a future date TBA, a spreading of the ashes and an outdoor barbeque/jam session will take place at Lum’s Pond State Park, a place Crab frequented, felt at peace, and where he interred “Sugar Lips”, his much loved and extremely patient “miniature” golden retriever who rode shotgun in his Cadillac.

I am proud to have played live and on recording with Jerry. I t was always fun! He offered some needed guidance when he told me my dog song, Daisy’s Road Trip was too long. She was lost for 6 days so it didn’t seem too long to me but I shortened it anyway. Thanks Jerry!It is with great sorrow that we lose Crabmeat physically, however we can not forget the memorable times we enjoyed his company. He made us laugh at his creative lyrics, and witty humor. So ole friend until we get booked again.After meeting 26 years ago, Jerry “Crabmeat” and his “last wife” Janice “Crabcake” began their international traveling, studying, and teaching, respectively, in Italy, Ireland, and Spain. With his constantly “itchy feet”, his “always packed bags”, a guitar strung over one shoulder, and a harmonica stuck in his shirt pocket, Crabmeat’s solo excursions included Kitchener, Ontario; Chiapas and Mexicali, Mexico; and Costa Rica.Wonderful memories of 9th grade English class with Mr. Thompson! An inspiration to me in the importance of making learning an experience for every student.

What are the most entertaining gentlemen I’ve ever talked to I used to work with him at telegraph Road I was looking them up just now just to see how he was doing and maybe getting into some karaoke projects and to find out that he passed I am saddened with great saddest I’m sorry he was a great guyMy condolences to the family..Crabmeat was one of my favorite teachers he was always so kind and always remembered me even years later running into him at the Acme in middletown. He will be dearly missed

it has been an honor & a pleasure to have known you Crabmeat…and to have shared a stage back in the early 80’s in Rehoboth Beach….needless to say there is no one to take your place…rest easy in the company if the Great Spirit my friend

Finally, as Crabmeat would say at the end of his gigs: “support your local musicians” and “don’t forget to generously tip your bartender or waiter/waitress” just before singing “Goodnight Irene”.Although he began his professional life as an English professor, Crabmeat’s wanderlust and obsession with music soon drew him away from the classroom; first to the “House of Wong”/‘70s San Francisco, and, then on the road with The Live Wire Choir, a traveling band home-based in Montana and featured in “Esquire” magazine, a time which has been chronicled in a recently published memoir. When the band broke up, Jerry returned to the East Coast, teaching, and eventually playing music fulltime in Wilmington and at the Delaware-Jersey beaches sandwiching in a brief sojourn in Venice, Florida. Crabmeat moved to Middletown, Delaware in 1994 where he continued playing music as well as teaching English in high school and later at the community college level; and, over the years, he added column-writing, playing children’s gigs, and lecturing at local libraries to his repartee. In 2011, Jerry and his wife Janice began working together tutoring and teaching English as a Second Language to international students often incorporating Crab’s music.

Gerry graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1981, and shortly thereafter – in 1983 – he joined the United States Air Force.  He would go on to serve his country for the next 27 years, and he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan from July 2008 through July 2009.  He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service, and retired from active duty in January of 2010.  He and his family moved many times throughout his career, but have called Riverview their home since 2009.  Gerry also graduated from the University of South Florida.

Gerald Kevin Thompson, 59, of Riverview, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 22, 2023, following a valiant fight against cancer. He was born on July 19, 1963, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Curtis and Louise (Bader) Thompson.A funeral mass will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlevoix.  Visitation will be held on Friday, June 9, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with a rosary at 7:45 p.m. at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.

On October 13, 1984, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Charlevoix, Gerry married the love of his life, Erin (Campbell) Thompson, who survives.  Also surviving are his two children, Megan Thompson of Riverview, FL and Bradley (Taylor, DVM) Thompson of Las Vegas, NV; his parents, Curtis and Louise Thompson; two brothers, Brian (Ann) Thompson of Jacksonville, FL and Michael Thompson of Frankfort, MI; his sister, Kelly (Mark, DDS) Peterson of Grand Rapids, MI; and many nieces and nephews.

Gerry graduated from Charlevoix High School in 1981, and shortly thereafter – in 1983 – he joined the United States Air Force. He would go on to serve his country for the next 27 years, and he deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan from July 2008 through July 2009. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his meritorious service, and retired from active duty in January of 2010. He and his family moved many times throughout his career, but have called Riverview their home since 2009. Gerry also graduated from the University of South Florida.

Gerald Kevin Thompson, 59, of Riverview, FL, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 22, 2023, following a valiant fight against cancer.  He was born on July 19, 1963, in Battle Creek, MI, the son of Curtis and Louise (Bader) Thompson.

Jerry will be remembered for his love of ice cream; maybe that’s why he was so sweet! He would always have his western movies, Steelers, or Cyclones on the tv. He was the king of one-liners; he might not have been a man of many words, but he always delivered the perfect punchline. In his retirement, when Jerry wasn’t washing his cars, he was checking out the car lots and kickin’ tires.Jerry will be remembered for his love of ice cream; maybe that’s why he was so sweet! He would always have his western movies, Steelers, or Cyclones on the tv. He was the king of one-liners; he might not have been a man of many words, but he always delivered the perfect punchline. In his retirement, when Jerry wasn’t washing his cars, he was checking out the car lots and kickin’ tires.