'He was always willing to help someone': Remembering JT Thompson, killed in Aug. 26 crash
In mid-August, James Alexander "JT" Thompson Jr. was promoted to be a sales manager at Optimum RV, a family owned and operated dealership in Ocala.
Thompson's first managers meeting was held not long after his promotion, and he was looking forward to more opportunities for advancement. He was employed at the company for two years.
"He was excited about the promotion," said Thompson's mother, Shaquita, in a phone interview with a Star-Banner reporter.
Thompson's death
On Aug. 26, another manager at the company was involved in a crash at Southwest 17th Street and South Pine Avenue. According to Ocala police, two cars were involved. One, a Mazda3, fled the scene. The other, a Mercedes-AMG, remained at the location. Officers later found the Mazda3 and its occupants.
Ricky Howard, general manager at Optimum RV, said in an interview with the Star-Banner that Demetrius Ferguson was driving the Mercedes and had called several colleagues, including Howard and Thompson, to the scene of the crash.
Officers said Thompson was in the roadway taking pictures of the damaged Mercedes when an Acura ILX traveling on 17th Street side-swiped a police cruiser and struck Thompson.
Howard said the impact sent Thompson flying in the air. Howard rushed over to his friend and provided assistance until an ambulance arrived. Taken to nearby HCA Florida Ocala Hospital for treatment, Thompson later died.
"He was full of life, always had a big smile and a hard worker who was very respectful," Howard said.
Thompson's mother said she rushed to the hospital when she got the call. Once there, she was told her son was in surgery and went to the intensive care unit. About an hour after her arrival, she said, "I was notified that he didn't make it."
At first, Thompson said, she covered her mouth. Then she started screaming.
"He was always willing to help someone. He wanted to make a better life for his children," Howard said.
The man who hit and killed Thompson was soon identified as Kristopher Kent Winningham, 44.
Winningham himself died a short time later. He rammed his Acura into a sitting Ocala Police Department vehicle on Maricamp Road near First Baptist Church. The police sergeant in that vehicle was injured and just released from the hospital this week.
Thompson's life
Born in Gainesville, Thompson was raised in Williston. She said he was "spoiled and adored" and attended church and Sunday school. He has an older sister.
"He had a lot of friends and was smart," she said.
Growing up, Thompson played baseball and football. He attended schools in Williston and Marion County. At North Marion High School, Thompson played defense on the football team.
After graduating from NMHS, Thompson joined the U.S. Navy. He received a general discharge and got a job as a corrections officer at Marion Correctional Institution, a state prison north of Ocala. Thompson decided he wanted another career and landed a job at Optimum RV.
"He loved that job," his mom said.
"He was a great guy and was always fun to be around. He will be missed," a state prison official wrote in an email to employees.
'A good father'
Thompson leaves behind a 6-year-old daughter and a 2-year-son,.Thompson's mother said her son was expecting another son soon.
"He was a good father," she said.
Thompson's funeral was on Sept. 10. In addition to his two children, he left behind his mother, father, and other family and many friends.
Investigation: Car that hit OPD vehicle was going 91 mph; officer remains hospitalized
As to what she's going to miss about her son?
"His smile, laughter and relationship he had with his children," Thompson said.
Contact Austin L. Miller at austin.miller@starbanner.com or @almillerosb
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Family and friends remember man hit and killed by fleeing motorist
