Jerry Thompson

Jerry was born May 13, 1940, in Salem, Oregon, to Velma and Orlo Thompson of Silverton. Growing up in Silverton, Jerry participated in many community activities, was a newspaper carrier for many years, and played trumpet in the band at Silverton High School. He is remembered fondly by his many classmates from the Class of ‘58 who continue to meet regularly at Roth’s in Silverton.

Jerry had a varied career beginning in retail at Montgomery Ward and Meier and Frank in Salem. He then moved into public service, spending 30 years with the Salem Police Department and 38 years in the Oregon Air National Guard, retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.

Throughout his life, Jerry was dedicated to serving his community so very many agencies, civic groups and organizations have benefited from his efforts. He served as National Vice President, District President, club president, treasurer and four-time Club Builder of the National Exchange Club. He was founding member and president of the local Exchange Sponsored Child Abuse Prevention Effort ESCAPE and helped develop and sell hundreds of tee-shirts and sweatshirts, mugs, cards, Christmas ornaments and tote bags to raise funds for the ESCAPE program and other community efforts.

Jerry served loyally as a board member of Leave a Legacy of the Mid-Willamette Valley, was treasurer and twice president of the Sunrise Rotary Club, and was twice coordinator of the Patriot Day Field of Flags honoring the 9/11 fallen and heroes display at Salem’s Riverfront Park.

He served three terms on the Salem Area Mass Transit District Cherriots board of directors and was founding member of the Salem Police Foundation board of directors.

Jerry Thompson will be missed very much.

Throughout his life Jerry enjoyed traveling and was able to visit many sites in the United States as well as cruising to the Caribbean, Alaska, Canada and Europe.

Jerry is survived by his his first wife Carol Deforest, their son Mike and granddaughters Lisa and Audrey; by his brother Marvin, nephew Danny and grandnephew William; by his second wife Susan, her son Walter Norblad (Jennene) and grandchildren, Chloe and Albin and by her daughter Virginia Norblad (Kyle Brager) and grandchildren Myra, Derek and Koralyn; and by Susan’s sister Melinda and her husband Larry Korshet.

A memorial service will be held in late May or early June. Donations may be made to the ESCAPE Child Abuse Prevention Effort at PO Box 13163, Salem OR 97309.

Final arrangements are under the care of Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service.