Terry "TJ" Thompson's Obituary
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 Saginaw, Michigan and attended college at what was then Ferris State College in Big Rapids, Michigan. He was married in 1960 to Elizabeth Ann McMillan.
A lifelong sailor and waterman, TJ retired from the United States Coast Guard in 1979 as Chief Boatswains Mate and Officer-in-Charge of the Coast Guard Station in Grand Haven. Previously, he served at duty stations around the Great Lakes and California. TJ never lost his love for the water and following retirement from the Coast Guard, he sailed for many years on the Great Lakes, the Gulf of Mexico, western rivers and the Atlantic Coast, and was a long time fixture of the Grand Haven waterfront. His hobbies included spending time with his grandchildren and becoming a master model boat builder, where you can find many of his projects around town. He loved Grand Haven and its waterfront and was an ardent supporter of the community.
TJ is survived by his wife of more than 50 years, Elizabeth, also of Grand Haven; his sons, James (Sandra) Thompson and Michael (Maren) Thompson; five grandchildren: Alexander, Christopher, Matthew, Michael and Ryan; his sister, Judy (Jerry) Ganzel; brothers and sisters-in-law, James (Kaye) McMillan, Miriam (Richard) Champion, Laurel (Jim) Lannen, Marcia (Dave) Murray, Duncan (Vicki) McMillan; and many nieces and nephews and close friends.
A funeral service is not planned, and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left in TJ's online guest book at www.vbkfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the caregivers at Hospice of North Ottawa Community and to the many friends and relatives able to visit TJ during his illness.
"A bad day being the Captain beats a good day being the crew."
The family is being served by VanZantwick Bartels Kammeraad Funeral Home of Grand Haven.
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