Obituary of Jerry Alvin Thompson

On Saturday October 2, 2010 at 4:00 AM, Jerry Alvin Thompson (47), went back home to be with his Lord. Jerry was the son of James and Carroll Thompson. He was born January 23, 1963, at the Riverton Hospital, Seattle, Washington. He is survived by his mother Carroll, sister Daphnee. The love of his life for the past 14 years Jennifer Guerrero, and her 3 children, whom he loved dearly, Jessica, Morgan, & Jacob. His new dad since he was 13 years old, Brent Rouse. His Grandparents John & Ethel Hixson. Lots of Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Nieces and Nephews. He also leaves behind his dog Chaps, and cats Smoky, Boo, Ralph, Crispy Crème, Skittle and numerous others. Jerry was an avid animal lover and loved the outdoors. He loved to go camping, and fishing whenever he could steal away enough time from his many responsibilities. His other loves were cooking and computers and ANY electronic gadgets. After high school Jerry traveled the country as part of a national sales team for 4 years. He then came home to follow his passion, cooking. He started at the Harvester Restaurant in Federal Way, then at Johnny’s at Fife, and then he really settled in at Applebee’s, mostly at Federal Way. He won numerous awards and employee recognitions, during his 18 year career as a cook, finally becoming assistant kitchen manager at Applebee’s. He also trained new employees, to staff new restaurants opening up in the Puget Sound area. Then he would spend as much time in the evenings as he could, learning as much as he could about computers. He was always helping someone load software or fix some glitch or problem they were having. Jerry spent the last 4 ½ years fighting cancer. He went through chemo and radiation treatments, without missing a single day of work for 4 Years. He was a source of inspiration and awe to his doctors and patients at Cancer Care Alliance. When they found the cancer Jerry was already at stage 4 and was only given 6 months. He constantly proved them wrong with his spirit and fight until the cancer went into his brain, and the recourses were so limited. We wish to thank the staff at CCA and the UW, & Dr. Eaton and his staff at CCA, Jerry couldn’t say enough nice and loving things about you. His 6 months turned into 4 ½ years thanks to you. He thanks you, and we thank you for allowing us 4 additional years with him. Jerry was always cracking jokes, and trying to make people laugh, despite his difficult childhood. His dad was an alcoholic, abusive and a very strict disciplinarian. After their divorce, Carroll was not able to be there much, working 3 jobs to raise her family, and provide for their needs. Then as a young teenager, to have some new guy pop into your life as a father figure. There were some very difficult times, but Jerry was able to rise above all the adverse situations, and became a very caring, giving, loving person that we could all strive to emulate. Jerry will be missed by all that had the privilege to know him and be part of his short life. A memorial will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, October 9, 2010, at the Elks Lodge, 174 Tacoma, WA. 1965 S Union St., Tacoma, WA. 98405 253-272-1117 Directions--- Take S Union Ave exit from Hwy 16 (Tacoma Narrows). Go north 1 block to S 23 St. Turn right, and then turn left into Elk’s parking lot.