Obituary of John M. Thompson

John M. Thompson, age 97 of Merrick NY, passed away on 4/13/2021. Funeral service will be held at N.F.Walker Funeral Home, 2039 Merrick Ave, Merrick, NY 11566 on 4/19/2021 at 8:45 A.M. with Sacred Heart Church officiating. Burial will follow at Long Island National Cemetery,2040 Wellwood Ave, Pinelawn, NY. John (or Jack as he liked to be called) was born in Brooklyn, NY to John and Martha Thompson on 9/17/1923. He graduated from Xavier High School in NYC, and went on to earn a degree in Literature and Journalism from Fordham University. With his proficiency in journalism and literature, his first job was for the New York Times - later in life he contributed articles to different publications including the New York Times and local newspapers. He served as a US Naval Officer in the Pacific Campaign during WWII, and upon return served as a Special Agent with the US Secret Service for 30 years. He was honored to have protected seven sitting US Presidents, from Truman to Carter. He served as an example of professionalism and integrity and would not divulge personal stories of his protectees saying that he was privileged to have stood next to history and would maintain their confidences to his grave. Even with his many years of distinguished public service, his greatest service was as the anchor of his family. He enjoyed swimming, chess, dad-jokes, dogs, the Yankees, and sharing his incredible memories which were vividly recalled. He received awards for his service, and was involved in the Tin Can Sailors, US Intrepid Foundation, and Association of Former Agents of the US Secret Service during his retirement. John is survived by his beloved wife, Kathleen Thompson of Merrick, NY, his two children, Michael of Pleasant Valley, NY and Irene "Suzie" of Manhattan, NY, three grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Bernice "Bunny" Thompson. "Don't give up the ship" Donations may be made to Xavier High School https://securelb.imodules.com/s/81/index.aspx?sid=81&gid=1&pgid=2738&cid=5475&appealcode=WAYSTOGIVE or to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate