John J.

"Jay" Thompson

After a lifelong battle with a variety of disabilities, John J. Thompson died peacefully on Thursday January 25 ^th surrounded by his family at Twin Oaks Nursing Home in Danvers where he had been receiving supportive care for the past seven years. He was 66 years of age. Born and raised in Chelsea, he was the son of the late Clifford H. and Agnes (O'Brien) Thompson. "Jay", as he was known to his family and friends, attended Saint Rose Elementary School, graduated Chelsea High School in 1969, and received an Associate's Degree in Political Science from Bunker Hill Community College. In his younger years, he was an avid reader of American History and participated in political campaigns on the state level.  Jay held a variety of jobs; working at Wonderland racetrack as a handler, at the Boston Herald on the sports desk, and for the Bunker Hill Community College newspaper, before retiring as a bridge inspector for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. In his lifetime Jay enjoyed following all sports especially the Boston Celtics and NY Giants. Throughout everything, he remained stoic, uncomplaining, and appreciative of the nurses and staff who have helped him.  Jay will be greatly missed by those who knew him.   His courage and perseverance in the face of great adversity provided an inspiration to all. He is survived by his beloved life-companion Lori Henry of Lynn. He was the dear brother of Clifford Thompson and his wife Julia of Lexington, Michael Thompson and his wife Claire of West Peabody, and Glenn Thompson and his wife Jill of Dallas, TX. He was the cherished uncle of Clifford Barton, Caitlyn, Michael, Brittany, and Sam Thompson. He is also survived by several cousins and extended family members.

ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives and friends are most kindly invited to visiting hours on Tuesday, January 30 ^th from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. in the Frank A. Welsh & Sons Funeral Home 718 Broadway CHELSEA Followed by a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Grace Church 59 Nichols St. Chelsea at 10:30 A.M. Services will conclude with Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden. Funeral Home fully handicap accessible, ample parking opposite Funeral Home.

DONATIONS:  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jay's memory to the Epilepsy Foundation, 8301 Professional Pl., Ste. 200, Landover, MD 20785 or the National Stuttering Foundation. https://www.stutteringhelp.org/