Thompson, J. Timothy (Father)

May 8, 2023 – Father J. Timothy Thompson, SJ, died May 7, 2023, in St. Louis. He was 84 years old, a Jesuit for 65 years and a priest for 52 years.

He will be remembered at a Memorial Mass on Saturday, May 13, at 4:00 pm at St. Ignatius Hall in Florissant, Mo. The Mass will be livestreamed on YouTube. Follow this link or search for “Memorial Mass for Fr. Tim Thompson, SJ.” His cremains will be buried in his beloved Belize.

J. Timothy Thompson was born Feb. 8, 1939, in St. Joseph, Mo., to Philip and Martha A. Thompson. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, David Thompson. He is survived by his sister, Ellen Kehoe, and his brothers in the Society of Jesus.

He entered the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits) on Aug. 17, 1957, at St. Stanislaus Seminary in Florissant, Mo., just a short distance from where he died nearly 66 years later. He pronounced first vows there and was ordained on June 4, 1970, at the Cathedral of St. Louis in St. Louis. He pronounced final vows on Sept. 1, 1982, at St. John’s College in Belize City, Belize.

The people of Belize had Fr. Thompson’s heart, and he served nearly all of his Jesuit ministry there. He first arrived at St. John’s College in Belize City in 1964, to teach physics and math. Over the next nearly 60 years, he served in a variety of assignments in Belize, including principal and president at St. John’s College, director of Trinidad Farm Jesuit Retreat Center and as a compassionate pastoral minister.

Father Thompson loved the people of Belize and was tireless in his desire to serve.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a master’s degree in mathematics and a licentiate in philosophy, all from Saint Louis University. He also completed a Ph.D. in comparative education at Michigan State University.

We remember with gratitude all that God has done through his life of service to God and God’s people.

Memorial gifts may be made to the USA Central and Southern Province of the Society of Jesus at 4511 West Pine Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108 or through this website.