Birth date: Apr 25, 1936 Death date: Jun 18, 2013
Terry James (Captain “TJ") Thompson, 77, passed away peacefully at his home on June 18, 2013 in Grand Haven, Michigan. TJ was born in Munising, Michigan on April 25, 1936 to Joy and James Thompson. He graduated from High School in Read Obituary
I served under TJ at USCGLight Station Eacanaba From 1972 to 1974 it was a true honor. He was an inspiration and a true Coast Guardsman. He never got mad at me for losing CG 40300 for 4 hours in dense fog on Lake Michigan. Thanks TJ.
RIP and God Speed.
Ed Stephens. BM3
IT WAS A SAD DAY WHEN WE LOST T.J. HE WAS AN ICON TO THOSE OF US WHO HAD AN INTEREST IN ANYTHING WATER RELATED!! I HAD AN INTEREST IN THE HARBOR STEEMER STERN WHEELER THAT T.J. CAPTAINED FOR SOME TIME. THE PASSINGERS LOVED HIS RAPORT. I STILL HAVE THE CAPTAINS HAT THAT HE WORE WITH PRIDE! WE HAVE ALSO IMBIBED TOGETHER ON OCCASIONS AT THE LOCAL ESTABLISHMENTS WE FREQUENTED. GOD SPEED OLD FRIEND!!
THOM [ TJ ] KNOLL
We wish to add our condolences to those of the others who knew and loved Terry. At family reunions, he always had some crazy new story to tell and for that alone he will be greatly missed. Those who knew him know that no one will ever take his place.
We'll always cherish the memory of our wedding which was planned for a park in Grand Haven. It rained, however, so the ceremony had to be moved indoors to Terry and Betty's living room where an informal reception was held after the ceremony. Terry couldn't wait for us to leave so the party could start. That was Terry.
Fair winds, dear friend.
Dave and Marcia Murray
We send our deepest sympathy to TJ's family. I have known TJ for more than 40 years. We never were stationed together during our CG careers. I would run into him over the years and he would help me out if I had a problem at a CG station or on a CG ship he always had the answer. We shared a good friend BMC Jim Springs USCG Ret. (deceased). They would come up to Ludington CG Station and have a cup of coffee together. TJ always would say you have the best crew. I would see him every year at the CG Retirees' Dinner. I held the 1st Annual CG Buoy Tender Reunion and TJ attended. We always enjoyed talking about old sea stories. Today I was in Grand Haven and I stopped at the American Legion and it was not the same not seeing TJ there. TJ Rest in Peace, may calm seas and following winds be with you. TJ will be missed.
BMC Lysle Hansberger USCG Ret. and wife Marilyn
Will always cherish the memories of Terry and Betty. I hope he is up in heaven sharing a beer with my dad (Dick). It was so nice visiting with him at my dad's funeral. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Keep in touch. Many hugs. Love, Cheryl and Family
I'VE KNOWN "TJ" SINCE THE EARLY 70'S WHEN HE WAS AT LTSTA ESCANABA AND I WAS ON ST MARTIN ISLAND..... THEN I WENT TO THE MACKINAW 83 AND HE WENT TO GRAND HAVEN AND I RAN IN TO HIM AGAIN AND OF COURSE WE WOUND UP OVER A BEER OR 2 OR 3 OR 4 I DON'T REMEMBER HOW MANY..... THE ONE THING
I REMEMBER ABOUT HIM WAS WHEN IT WAS TIME TO WORK, BOY DID WE TURN TO....... AND WHEN IT WAS TIME TO PARTY, MAN DID WE EVER PARTY......
R I P CHIEF YOU DESERVE THE BREAK.... "FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS"
AND I WILL SEE YOU WHEN LIBERTY EXPIRES ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAR
SCOTT F. PENN BM2 USCG RETIRED
T.J. was "The Salty Dog". He gave me boating lessons interspersed with humor and stories. He and my husband were fast friends. He will be missed. Martha Adamczyk, Rosebud
TJ used to ride with me in my semi. We shared many war stories and had lots of fun. Every time now when i see the setting sun at the beach, I will see TJ.......Mark A Warnement.
