John Francis "Jackie" Thompson, 81, passed away on January 3, 2015 in Elizabeth City, NC. He was born in Norfolk, VA the son of the late Alton and Agnes Casey Thompson, and was the widower of Patricia "Pete" Thompson. Jackie was a Firefighter with the City of Portsmouth for 16 years. He retired as a Firefighter having worked at NAS Oceana and USCG Craney Island Fire Station. A member of St. Paul Catholic Church, Knight of Columbus #418 and known as the best fast-pitch softball pitcher from Newtown. He was predeceased by a granddaughter, Lisa Marie Thompson and son, Bobby Thompson.

Survivors include his daughter, Cindy Edwards of Elizabeth City; two sons, Billy M. Thompson of Portsmouth, Danny R. Thompson of Hertford, NC; a sister, Mary Lee Thompson Upton of Chesapeake; two brothers, Dickie Jim Thompson and Tommy Thompson both of Portsmouth; 7 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 2 p.m. in B.W. Foster Funeral Home, Portsmouth. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to CHKD, 601 Children's Lane, Norfolk, VA 23507. Condolences may be registered at bwfosterfuneralhome.com