A military veteran who made a lasting impact in Memphis, especially in airport operations, recently passed away.
Jon K. Thompson, 87, died while among family in Germantown on Oct. 11. He served 27 years on the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Board of Commissioners, while holding roles as both a chairman and president during his tenure.
The “Jon K. Thompson World Class Tour” at the (newly re-named from Memphis International Airport) Frederick W. Smith International Airport (still referred to as MEM) was started in his honor due to his passion for both the airport and the Memphis community, according to Terry Blue, president and CEO of the Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority.
The behind-the-scenes airport tour designed to give people a better look
at the airport’s operations and a better understanding about the important role the airport plays in the Mid-South economy.
Blue said Thompson left an indelible imprint on the Frederick W. International Airport.
“During his tenure on the MSCAA board, MEM completed numerous projects with a lasting impact on the airport’s growth and success, including the construction of the World Runway, the East Runway, and the reconstruction of the West Runway,” Blue said.
“In fact, Thompson was on the inaugural flight for the opening of each of these runways. Other notable milestones during this time included the expansion of the seven-story parking garage, creation of the Federal Inspection Station (FIS) on the southwest leg of the concourse, and the start and expansion of Northwest Airlines hub operations at MEM.”
Thompson's contributions beyond Memphis airport
Thompson was heavily involved with the Memphis community, serving in leadership positions for Adams Keegan, Inc., Memphis Oral School for the Deaf, and St. Mary's Episcopal School and other organizations.
Thompson also curated and managed some of the cultural events and initiatives in Memphis, developing and managing a blockbuster art and cultural exhibition series, "Wonders: The Memphis International Cultural Series."
The series was known for producing such notable exhibitions as Ramesses the Great, Catherine the Great, Napoleon, Imperial Tombs of China, Treasures of the Ottoman Sultans, The Etruscans-Legacy of a Lost Civilization from the Vatican Museums and Titanic. The Titanic series has become a traveling exhibit touted as being seen by millions all over the world.
West Point grad, avid adventurer
A graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Thompson served as the commander of an Army Aviation unit during the Vietnam War. Thompson had a storied career after retiring from the Army, including owning a Caterpillar dealership, founding a private investment company, and then serving as President of Defense Orientation Conference Association (DOCA).
An avid adventurer, Thompson also organized and carried out multiple searches for Amelia Earhart's airplane in the South Pacific.
“MSCAA extends its deepest condolences to his family, friends and loved ones,” Blue said.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Memphis Country Club Oct. 14. A private funeral will be held later at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York.
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis airport officials remember impact of Jon K. Thompson
