Obituary of John J Thompson

John "Jack" Thompson of Egg Harbor Township died one week before his 84th birthday in his home the evening of September 25, 2014, after battling end stage kidney disease. Jack fished, hunted and trapped the Egg Harbor River for most of his life. He commercial fished and also assisted his uncle at Thompson Marine until building his own Meadow View Marina. He also built and owned Egg Harbor Campground and worked both businesses for years. After selling both businesses, he worked running a crew for Bob Kuminka Painting Company for many years; while at the same time building two homes on Thompson Lane that he truly loved. He drove an armored truck for Brinks at age 70. Jack had always kept busy. He wasn't one for sitting still. I once asked Jack why he was still working; and he replied with a smile "I enjoy working. You not only have the opportunity to meet new people, but to gain new friends and get paid to do it. Life is too short to sit around wasting time waiting to die. You have to keep busy and enjoy every minute of it while you can." When you met Jack you couldn't help feeling like you just met a new friend. Jack traveled to many places in his life time. He loved learning about other cultures and meeting new people. He learned to speak Spanish to a small degree and loved showing it off. Knowing, or just meeting Jack, you got to hear the stories of his life and his travels around the world. He loved taking you with him on the journey through his stories. Jack loved people and people loved Jack. Anyone who had the privilege of really knowing Jack was truly blessed. He recently got together with Lynn Wood of the Great Egg Harbor Twp Historical Society and Dottie Kinsey of Hamilton Twp Historical Society to donate many photos and stories of the area dating back to his grandfather's time. If Jack's life story was in print, you would never want to put the book down. He was no big business man, doctor or lawyer; he was just a regular guy who loved life. He was never anxious for tomorrow, but was just happy for today. "Let's not rush this" he'd say. Good-bye Jack. Thanks for being there! At Jack's request a gathering of his friends in "Celebration" of his life will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2014 from 12 noon to 3 PM at his home on Thompson Lane. If anyone is interested in making a donation in his name, the NJ Animal Advocacy Alliance (a non-profit) will be taking donations to open their spay and neuter clinic. Contact Jeanette Giemza at Jeanette@preferredtravel.com or Lorry Young at lorrypatlenyoung@comcast.net for further information. To share condolences, please visit www.evoyfuneralhome.com.