Jeffrey Thompson

Date of Birth

Nov 24,1951

Date of Death

May 03,2020

Jeffrey “Jeff” J. Thompson, age 68, of Hinckley, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of his family following a brief but fierce battle with cancer on May 3, 2020.
He was born November 24, 1951, in Sheridan, IN, to proud parents, Larue and Waneta (Walker) Thompson.
Jeff grew up in Sheridan and attended local schools. He graduated from Sheridan High School with the class of 1970.
He continued his education at Indiana University, graduating in 1974.
Jeff met Kathy Piper while working together in Peoria. A friendship bloomed into something more and on April 7, 1979 they were united in marriage. They were blessed with two children, Suzanne and Scott.
Jeff worked 19 years for then Lucent Technologies in Naperville. Later he would work as a flight dispatcher for various airlines.
Jeff and Kathy were members of the Elburn Community Congregational Church, and Jeff was a member of the E.A.A., the Experimental Aircraft Association.
Jeff’s passion for aviation soared after earning his private pilot’s license, flying the friendly skies with family and friends. He dedicated time both on land and in the air to the Young Eagles Program, which encouraged the love of flying to youths aged 8-17 years old. Jeff also participated in the “Angel Flight” program where private pilots gave free rides to those needing medical care a great distance from their homes. When he wasn’t pursuing the horizon, Jeff indulged in his love of basketball. He played recreationally with a group of friends and alumni at North Central College, in Naperville, who called themselves the “Noon Ballers”. He also was very proud of his Hoosier background and cheered loudly and often for his Indiana University alma mater. In addition, he was a supporter of North Central College Cardinals and the St. Louis Cardinals.
However, what he loved most was his family. When cancer came to call, he fought it with his soul, body and mind, fighting for every second, including to be there for the private but much celebrated wedding of his daughter. He may not have been able to physically dance with Suzanne, but nothing could keep him from looking on proudly. His loss only a day later capped a life well lived, and heart well loved, and a legacy of memories that will stand the test of time.
He is survived by his loving wife Kathy Thompson; two children: Suzanne Thompson (Don Griffin) and Scott (Kayla) Thompson and their two children, Owen and Evan; two brothers: Butch (Gloria) Thompson and Randy (Liz) Thompson; nieces, nephews and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Larue and Waneta Thompson, as well as his brother Don Thompson.
Following a private family service, friends are encouraged to “drive by” from Noon-2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020 and share a memory at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn. The family plans to wear t-shirts representing Jeff’s interests such as Indiana University, the Beatles, flying, the St. Louis Cardinals or something red for his favorite color and ask you to do the same. Decorating your car will also help to lift his family’s spirits. Please enter the east entrance of the funeral home parking lot on Pierce St. and line up in the queue waiting to pass by the family. Please stay in your cars as you wait to talk to the family. A staff member will be by and write down your name in a register book while you wait. Overflow parking will be directed if needed, so please check in with the parking attendant.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made directly to the Elburn Community Congregational Church: www.elburn-ucc.org; North Central College Athletic Department: www.northcentralcardinals.com; Young Eagles: www.eaa.org/eea/youth/free-ye-flights and the American Cancer Society at www.donate3.cancer.org. Tributes and memories are welcome on the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com through the “contact us” link.

Following a private family service, friends are encouraged to “drive by” from Noon-2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 9, 2020 and share a memory at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St. Elburn. The family plans to wear t-shirts representing Jeff’s interests such as Indiana University, the Beatles, flying, the St. Louis Cardinals or something red for his favorite color and ask you to do the same. Decorating your car will also help to lift his family’s spirits. Please enter the east entrance of the funeral home parking lot on Pierce St. and line up in the queue waiting to pass by the family. Please stay in your cars as you wait to talk to the family. A staff member will be by and write down your name in a register book while you wait. Overflow parking will be directed if needed, so please check in with the parking attendant.

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