CHAMBERSBURG, PA—John “Jack” Burnett Thompson was born on April 9, 1934 and passed away at home on January 24, 2024, surrounded by family. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jack and his family spent time in the summers on the water in the Northern Neck.
Jack only attended McKinley High for a short time, before his family moved to the suburbs in Maryland. This move would prove to be fate, when after serving four years in the Navy, John returned home and married his next-door neighbor, Judith Dixon, (one of those Dixon girls). They were married for over 60 years.
Jack and Judy built a house in Annapolis, Md., where they raised their two daughters. Jack attended Capital Tech and worked at Dulles Airport before the D.C. Beltway was completed. Jack spent most of his career working for the federal government, before returning to the Northern Neck, to the retire by the water.
Jack and Judy took sailing classes when they were first married and spent many weekends on the Chesapeake Bay with their family. They continued to sail into retirement. In retirement, he kept the yard and boats ready for weekend visits with his grandchildren. He was often there with a camera to capture special moments at play or on the bay.
Jack traveled the Mediterranean with the Navy, but generally preferred to stay in the U.S. He loved studying the Civil War and visiting battlefields with his daughter, as well as traveling to National Parks in the western U.S. with his wife. He sailed in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, as well as the Intercostal Waterway.
In 2020, Jack and his wife moved from Virginia to Chambersburg, Pa., to be closer to family. He quickly settled in and frequently expressed how glad he was to be there. He loved driving through the mountains. He could be found enjoying Western movies (preferably John Wayne), which are best paired with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, extra jelly.
Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Susan.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; his brother, Bob; cousins, Jeanne and Nancy; his daughter, Julie, his son-in-law; and his six grandchildren.
Jack was a strong, kind and reliable role model for his family, children and grandchildren. As Jack’s body slowed down, it seems like his joy and gratitude only increased. He loved his family, but above all, he adored his wife. Mission accomplished.
