Lieutenant Jack G. Thompson, a military veteran and longtime officer with the Springfield Township Police Department, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, August 1.

Lieutenant Thompson began his law enforcement career at Temple University and was hired as a patrolman in Springfield Township in 1972. He was appointed detective in 1974, promoted to patrol sergeant in 1975, and was appointed to the newly created position of administrative sergeant in 1985. In 1992, he was promoted to lieutenant, a position he held until his retirement in 2012.

“Throughout his career, Jack received many citizen commendations and was known for his keen focus on the latest law enforcement technology and training, becoming a certified instructor in many areas,” his obituary said.

He was a member of FOP Lodge 14 for over 50 years and served as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corps, during which time he was named a recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, his obituary said.

“Before beginning his career in law enforcement, Jack played semi-professional football, but his career was cut short by a serious back injury. Following a long and difficult rehabilitation, Jack developed a lifelong commitment to physical fitness, with a particular focus on weightlifting,” his obituary said. “His dedication never wavered—not even in his later years. Just recently he’d been searching online for “intense weightlifting programs for an 88-year-old” (of which, he noted with amusement, there were few).”

Relatives and friends are invited to Jack’s visitation on Thursday, August 7 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, at Craft Funeral Home of Erdenheim, 814 Bethlehem Pike.

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