Jack Thompson

We are saddened to announce the death of Jack Thompson on the morning of Jan. 25, 2023, at age 87. 

Born in 1936 in Cochran, Georgia, to Estelle and Wilbur Jackson Sr., Jack eventually settled in Gainesville, Georgia, and set up his obstetrics and gynecology practice in 1968. He delivered babies for 8 years and later focused on gynecology for the remainder of his 25-year career in medicine. During that time, he served as a board member in the Northeast Georgia Medical Center.

Jack had been suffering from Parkinson’s disease over the past few years. We know he would have preferred to spend his final days continuing to do his favorite things … preparing home-cooked meals, playing the piano, sharing a laugh with friends, taking his beloved Golden Retriever for walks in the woods or on the beach. But we are also grateful that his final years at Lanier Village were relatively quiet, and we are eternally grateful to his caregivers and the loving support of friends and family.

Jack was known to many in Gainesville as “Dr. Thompson,” the man who helped deliver bundles of joy into the world, but beyond his professional career — as a gardener, decorator, pianist and painter — Jack also brought other forms of joy into being. He could be serious and professional, but he enjoyed a funny yarn and gravitated toward beauty, be it a sunset, a melody or a rose. Even as the fog of disease enveloped his mind, he could unexpectedly exhibit a flash of wit or somehow recognize and appreciate beauty.

We take comfort in the knowledge that Jack accomplished many things during his life, and in the process, garnered the love, affection and admiration of many.

Jack is survived by his wife, Emily; his son, Mark, and Mark’s wife, Yuko, and their daughter, Chelsea; and his daughter, Wimberly, and her daughter, Emma.

A memorial reception to celebrate Jack’s rich and full life will be held Feb. 18 in the chapel at Lanier Village Estates, 2-4 p.m.

Flowers will be graciously accepted but we also would greatly appreciate donations to benefit Parkinson’s disease research.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.