Jerry W. Thompson

AIKEN, SC – Mr. Gerald “Jerry” Wayne Thompson, 80, passed away Wednesday, June 29, 2016. Mr. Thompson was born in Ayrshire, IA, the youngest of 17 children, to the late James and Alice (Maguire) Thompson. Prior to moving to Aiken in 2003, Mr. Thompson lived in Colorado Springs where he met the former Barbara Joan Dahm. They married on October 1, 1960. Jerry and Barbara then moved to Des Moines, IA to build a life and raise their family, including six children. Mr. Thompson was a member of Visitation Catholic Church, and St. Pius X Catholic Church. Before retiring to Schaller, Iowa in 1990, Jerry enjoyed a long career with Ford Motor Company. While in Schaller, he thoroughly enjoyed his friends and family, living his retirement to the fullest. During this time, he was a member of the VFW and St. Mary’s Catholic Church; he was also an active member of the Schaller community. In 2003, he and Barbara moved to Aiken to be closer to family. It was here he joined St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. Mr. Thompson served his Country through his military service with the United States Army. An avid sports fan, he enjoyed baseball, and Iowa Hawkeyes football. Jerry felt that the American flag is a symbol of liberty, democracy and justice and with every home he lived in, there was always an American flag flying free. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Barbara Joan Thompson, Aiken, children; Joan (Mark) Irwin, Sewanee, GA, Stephen (Tasha) Thompson, Des Moines, IA, Theresa (David) Wish, Franklin, NJ, Amy (Jeff) Schwartz, Clinton, NJ, Gerry Thompson, Des Moines, IA, Bobby (Doug) Walker, Aiken, grandchildren; Alice Irwin, John Irwin, Luke Thompson, Nick Thompson, Myles Wish, Henry Schwartz, William Schwartz, Kelly Thompson and Madeline Walker. A brother, Emmet Thompson, survives him. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church, P.O. Box 438 Aiken, SC 29802. Services will be held at a later date. SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801 Mr. Thompson’s online guestbook may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jerry W. Thompson, please visit our flower store.