John Edward "Jack" Thompson Jack Thompson passed away at his home on February 16th after a noble battle with COPD and Cancer.

Jack was born on December 21, 1947, in Oakland, California, to Wm. F. "Pat" and Corita McGinley Thompson. His sister Michelle was the next addition and, in1952, the family returned to Butte to rejoin their Irish clan. After his brother Patrick and sister Mary Kay were born, Jack began his long reign as eldest son, dutifully terrorizing what he referred to as "the lesser children."

Jack attended St. Joseph's Grade School, Boys Central High School, and Montana Tech. In 1979 he relocated to Helena where began working in the human services field. He then began what would become a long career in State government with the Department of Health and Human Services, retiring, gleefully, in 2009.

To know Jack was to experience, first and foremost, his exceptionally sharp and devilish wit. He wrote the book on quick comebacks. He would watch nonchalantly after delivering a lightning fast, razor-sharp comment as the recipient slowly realized they had been stealthily insulted. He excelled in irreverent humor and was delighted if he could cause someone to laugh inappropriately in a solemn setting. Mission accomplished.

His intellect was nothing if not exceptional. He had an innate ability with all things technically and mechanically challenging. A voracious reader, he could absorb and retain volumes. His knack for trivia was unsurpassed. In group competitions it was Jack on one team against everyone else on the other.

Jack had an encyclopedic knowledge of rock-and-roll music spanning several decades. His interests extended to a whole range of other music genres including traditional Irish. Jigs, reels, and especially depressing ballads were among his favorites. Over the years he collected mountains of vinyl records, cassette tapes and CDs.

Aside from his Irish heritage, Jack took immense pride in being from Butte. He just lived in Helena. The Mining City was always home. He was never happier than when gathered in Butte with friends and family and though he savored the classic Butte humor, he never forgot and had great reverence for the sacrifices made by the countless miners and immigrants who built the community he so loved.

Jack Thompson was a man of unsurpassed generosity and steadfast loyalty with a sprinkle of devastating humor thrown in.

Jack was predeceased by his parents; parents-in-law Rose and Tom Powers; sister Michelle Connole; brothers-in-law Bubba Maloney, Dan McCarthy, and Dick Rosenleaf.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Powers; son Keif of Dublin, OH; daughter Kristie of Boiling Springs, SC; step-daughter Meaghan Johnson and her husband Nick: and granddaughters Kate and Cameron Johnson whom he adored beyond measure. Survivors also include his brother Patrick and his wife Elizabeth of Novato, California; sister Mary Kay Maloney of Butte; niece Killorn O'Neill and her husband Mark Penxa; and nephew Patrick O'Neill and his wife Suzi. sisters-in-law Pat, Julie, and Erin Powers, Mary Ann McCarthy, and Jo Austin. Sister-in-law and brother-in-law Rose Powers and Pete Fromm; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law John and Colleen Powers; Tom and Cindy Powers; the entire McGinley clan; the Thompson family; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 27th, at Dolan's Mortuary, 1805 Meadowlark Lane, Butte, MT, at 12:00 noon, with visitation beginning at 10:30 a.m. The family requests that any donations be made to your local food bank.