Jack (Jesse) R. Thompson of Aberdeen, Wash., died Oct. 4, 2018, from injuries suffered from a fall in Santiago, Chile, while on business for the Port of Grays Harbor. Jack was born Sept. 30, 1937, in Libby, Mont., the son of Jack and Louise (Rosander) Thompson Sr. Around the age of six the family returned to Grays Harbor, where Jack attended both Hoquiam and Aberdeen schools. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1955.

Jack then attended Grays Harbor College. Upon graduation he enrolled in the University of Washington to study engineering. Shortly before earning his degree he was called to active duty in the U.S. Army. Jack served in Germany and was honorably discharged in May, 1962.

He had a variety of jobs in sales, road construction and explosives before starting his own company, Thompson Welding and Logging Supplies in 1972. He sold the business to Airgas, Inc. in 1992 and continued to work for them until his retirement. Jack’s work encompassed the Olympic Peninsula where he made great friends and touched many lives in the logging industry.

Jack was elected to his first term as Grays Harbor Port Commissioner, District 2, in 1994. He was recently re-elected for his 5th term. Jack was extremely active in the community serving on various boards and committees for the betterment of Grays Harbor. He was a strong advocate for the Harbor and strove to make it his personal mission to improve the economy and make it a better place for his grandchildren and future generations.

He enjoyed many years of boating in Puget Sound, attending Husky football games and fishing with his sons. He was happiest when he was with his family, especially his grandchildren, whether cooking hotcakes on Saturday morning, watching them participate in area sports or just hanging out at home sharing his stories with them.

He was formerly married to Doreen (Bindreiff) Esteb and was preceded in death by his parents Jack and Louise Thompson.

Jack is survived by his wife of 28 years, Trish of Aberdeen; two sons: Jack Jr., Cosmopolis, and Jerry (Cheryl) Thompson, Montesano; six grandchildren: Jessica (Shawn) Iskra, Sunny (Trevor) Wheeler, Bradley (Karley Wagner) Thompson, Tyler Thompson, Whitney (TJ) Heitstuman and Jake Gull; his adoptive grandchildren: Ed (Laurie) Thompson and Nichole (Sophea) Thompson-Pas; and his eight great-grandchildren: Levi, Lyla, Tytan, Bradley Jr., Kendra, Kylie, Kason and Kenzi.

A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, at Immanuel Baptist Church, 1200 Soule Ave., Hoquiam. A reception will follow at the church.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Grays Harbor College Foundation, 1620 Edward P. Smith Dr., Aberdeen, WA 98520, or the Aberdeen High School Bobcat Booster Club, P.O. Box 871, Aberdeen, WA 98520.

A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com.

Arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home, Aberdeen.