Obituary of John E. "Jack" Thompson Jr.

John E. "Jack" Thompson passed away on Wednesday evening surrounded by loving family and friends after a brief illness. He was 70.

Jack was a lifelong resident of New Jersey, splitting time between his childhood home of Gibbsboro and his seaside backyard of Avalon, where he proudly served as a volunteer and officer in the town's Emergency Management Service for decades. He was also a fixture on Dune Dr. with daily visits to the former bookstore, The Paper Peddler, and frequents stops at Kohler's Bakery, where he would often pick up a "six pack" of lemon squares for his lucky visitors.

Jack was the son of former Gibbsboro Mayor John Thompson, who served in the 1950s and died when Jack was just 8 years old. Jack's mother, Florence (Rowand) Thompson, preceded Jack's death.

Surviving Jack is his life partner and appreciative wife, Mary Dougherty. Jack also is survived by caring and grateful friends and relatives, including brothers-in-law Michael Dougherty and Peter Howard; sister-in-law Ann Dougherty; nieces Kelsey Dougherty Howard and Meggie Dougherty Howard; nephews Liam Dougherty Howard, Kevin Dougherty, and Patrick Dies; along with grandson, John "JT" Thompson, and numerous cousins. He is also remembered by scores of friends and co-workers.

Jack had a distinguished career dedicated to helping others that spanned more than 30 years with the New Jersey Department of Human Services. He sought to raise his staff and the people they serve to their fullest potential. At Woodbine Developmental Center Jack helped the residents, men with developmental disabilities, live more productive lives. First as Habilitation Plan Coordinator and later as Director of Habilitation Services Jack led a team that created a world of opportunities with the Habilitation Complex, a collection of centers that served various populations, comprised of Vocational, Learning, and Senior centers, which also included Music and Art Therapy.

When Jack transferred to the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, he continued to live his philosophy of empowering people to be the best and most productive they could be. As Manager of the Southern Region, Jack guided staff in creating programs to help people with visual impairment in their education, vocation, and independent living goals. Jack’s positive impact was felt throughout the entire agency. With quiet strength, Jack was admired and valued as a true leader who led by example and modeled the behaviors he expected from others.

Jack’s love of helping people was legendary. A true “Jack of all Trades” with a sharp intellect and clever wit, Jack was the "go-to" guy for building, repairing, designing, and problem-solving. The generosity he showed in the countless projects he did for his family and friends----which ranged from swing sets for youngsters to a complete kitchen remodel----was matched only by his humility in his accomplishments.

Jack was a voracious and passionate reader. Technical journals. Five daily newspapers, both local and national. Numerous monthly magazines. He knew the trends on Wall Street, marveled at scientific breakthroughs, and followed closely the latest automotive advances being rolled out of Detroit. And then there were the novels. Crates full of them. He was a fan of the adventurer and author Clive Cussler, and enjoyed the works of Florida author Tim Dorsey and his zany protagonist, Serge A. Storms. With Jack's expansive knowledge of fact and fiction, he was a coveted partner for Trivial Pursuit contests when friends and family visited he and Mary.

Jack Thompson touched many lives. Both in his professional career, and especially the family and friends who cherish and celebrate his life. His legacy is rich, and will live on in those who knew him and miss him. He embodied the values of kindness, generosity, humility, and dignity.

Jack had a great appreciation of nature, animals, the environment, and research--all causes he proudly supported. In lieu of flowers, Jack would instead want donations to be made to causes close to your heart.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Visitation on Sunday November 11, 2018 from 5PM-7PM at Danks-Hinski Funeral Home at 125 N. White Horse Pike, Lindenwold NJ 08021 and again on Monday November 12, 2018 from 10AM-11AM at St. Mary's Episcopal Church at 9425 3rd Ave, Stone Harbor, NJ 08247. Celebration of life of Jack Thompson and Holy Eucharist of Resurrection will begin at 11AM also at St. Mary’s Church. Interment at 12:30PM at Resurrection Cemetery 336 Kings Hwy, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210. Condolences at www.dankshinskifuneralhome.com