Obituary of John S. Thompson III

John Sherman Thompson III, 75, of Toms River, NJ, passed away peacefully at home on May 17, 2025, under Hospice Care. The son of John S. and Helen Creasy Thompson Jr, John was born in Orange, NJ on July 29, 1949. He lived his childhood in Caldwell, NJ, graduated from Carteret Academy, West Orange, NJ and continued his education at Nasson College, Springvale, ME, where he graduated in 1971 with a BS in Psychology. After college, John traveled the country and the world following his introspective and spiritual nature. Along the way he made many friends, who knew him as John, Jon, and Suka. After a tragic and life-changing accident while living in California, John returned to New Jersey and settled in Toms River with family living nearby. His life’s course had been altered, but his spirit remained steadfast. He took up the trade of carpentry and continued as a fine trim carpenter for the next 20 years where he expressed his artistry and attention to detail through an exacting and patient touch. Throughout his life, John was a strong advocate for many causes, such as peace, environmental preservation, and the prevention of animal cruelty. He was most proud of his career in service and served as Chair of the World Service Conference of Narcotics Anonymous. John was instrumental in the development of NA in New Jersey. He will be remembered as a gentle, loving soul, always available to any friend in need. John is survived by his sister Barbara (Thompson) and brother-in-law David B Andersen, Greensboro, NC, his nieces and nephew, Chelsea Firestone, Oak Ridge, NC, Jonathan Good, Encinitas, CA and Marin Myers, Boerne, TX and 5 grand-nieces and nephews, Tucker, Garvey, Tessa, Georgia and Grady. John will be celebrated by his family and his many friends around the country, in private gatherings. To make a donation in his memory, the family recommends supporting the local Hospice organization. VNA Health Group Attn: Philanthropy Dept, 3600 State Route 66, FL 4, Neptune, NJ 07753