menu

Subscribe to Obituary List

Celebrating the life of

John Ross Thompson

April 07, 1936 - July 03, 2015

John Ross Thompson

John R "Jack" Thompson, devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at his home in Savannah, GA on Friday, July 3, 2015 at the age of 79.  Survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Nancy Kane Thompson, Jack was born in Steubenville, OH, and grew up in Mt. Lebanon, PA where he graduated from Mt. Lebanon High School in 1954.  After graduating from Villanova University, Jack embarked on a successful sales career with IBM progressing through its executive ranks before being named head of the Hartford, CT Insurance Industry Branch Office, a position he held for 13 years.  During that time, Jack’s team won numerous sales awards including the prestigious President’s Trophy.  He retired from IBM in Paris, France as the Director of UNIX Marketing for Europe. Jack, then, began an equally rewarding second career with EMC Corporation as Vice President of Field Sales Support, Europe and ultimately serving as Vice President of Strategic Accounts in Asia Pacific based in Sydney, Australia.  Jack retired from EMC in 2000.

Jack honorably served in the US Army Reserves and was an avid golfer, reader and follower of politics.  He leaves many friends across the country, including those in West Hartford, CT, at Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, FL and at the Landings in Savannah where he and Nancy spent the past ten years together.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Kathryn Thompson.  In addition to Nancy, Jack is survived by his four sons and daughters-in-law John and Sarah of Londonderry, NH, Michael and Kimberly of Redding, CT, Ned and Laura of Naperville, Il, Matthew of New York City, and his eight grandchildren, Kerry Lynn, Tommy, Jack, Connelly, Madeline, Ross, Michael and Caroline.  Jack is also survived by his sister, Mimi, and brother, Chuck and Chuck’s wife, Judith.

His family wishes to express their appreciation and thanks to the doctors, nurses and caregivers at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Savannah Square.   The family requests that any expression of gratitude or sympathy be made to Savannah Junior Golf Association, PO Box 60517, Savannah, GA 31420.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 10:00am at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Savannah, GA.

Please sign our on-line guest book.

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel

 

 

 

SHARE YOUR CONDOLENCES

Image
Submissions protected by Kanshi.

GUEST BOOK

Dear Nancy and family, So glad that you and your precious Jack moved to savannah. Loved reading about your life and travels together and will always remember his kind sweet smile. Lots of love in this difficult time, Monica and Gary

- Monica and Gary Hughes, Savannah, GA

Dearest Nancy, Having you and Jack as neighbors in Coventry was fantastic. Jack had a great sense of humor. Nancy, we had such fun playing bridge on Mondays with our 2 tables in Vero Beach. Tom & I were in Alaska when Jack passed. We love all of the memories we have with you both. Our prayers are with you. We will never forget the fun times we had together. Carole & Tom Miller

- Carole & Tom Miller, Vero Beach, FL

Nancy, Les and I were saddened to hear of Jack's passing recently. We had heard of his recent health issues, but did not know how serious they were. We have many good memories, especially when we evacuated to GA during the Hurricanes of 2004. Take care, fondly Mary and Les Lindsay

- Mary Lindsay, Vero Beach, FL

Dearest Nancy, It is with great sadness to hear of your loss, it will be a loss to we that got to know him !! He was a fine man who loved you and his family very much. My prayers will be with and to you all. Love George Nagel

- George Nagel, Clermont, Fl

I go way back to Jack's grader school days at St. Bernard's in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Sorry to hear of his passing, Rest in peace, Jack. Barbara

- Barbara (Desch) O'Toole, Pittsburrgh, Pa

I go way back to Jack's grader school days at St. Bernard's in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Sorry to hear of his passing, Rest in peace, Jack. Barbara

- Barbara (Desch) O'Toole, Pittsburrgh, Pa

Nancy....We knew from Henry and Cathy's recent visit that Jack was not doing well. We were so saddened to hear of his passing. We have such wonderful memories of your visit to our home in Prague . Our sincere and deepest sympathy to you and your family Otto and Leata Jelinek

- Jelinek, Prague, CZ

I have many fond memories working for Jack at IBM in Hartford. He set a great example, was a tremendous leader, and of course, was a great success. We always had a lot of fun at the GHO, and I loved getting to know you both out at the Course, entertaining the customers. I think of you both often, and at the various IBM mini-reunions, we all speak very highly of "the good old days" at Hartford Commercial 179. I am truly sorry for your loss, and am happy that your now much-extended family can help keep the great memories alive. Jack will be sorely missed by many people, and know that we are all thinking of you, Nancy. Hugs to you.

- Lydia Bartinik Anderson, The Villages, FL

Dear Nancy, We were so sad to hear of Jack's passing. Please know that your friends are here for you. With deepest sympathy for you and your Family.

- Jack & Eleanor Kiel, Savannah, GA

Nancy, sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever knew you, however I knew Jack well. I was at the IBM office when Jack came there as the branch manager. He was sent there to "clean-up" the office. He replaced most of the management and set the office on a successful path to be first in sales and service. He never violated the first tenet of IBM - "respect for the individual." He was a tough boss but always fair. I have to admit I was a challenge to him at times, but he was always tolerant with me. His famous saying was "shape up or get on the red bus." He was a special person in the office and in the community. My career flourished under his direction. He was a great man. I am glad I knew him.

- Larry Zimmerman, Amston, CT

Dear Nancy and family, It is with great fondness that we recall your time in W.H. We so enjoyed seeing you at the Club and I recall your boys in Sedgwick--(think it was Mike who wrote about being a music conductor!)We were so sad to hear of Jack's passing and we hope that wonderful memories and that the presence of your family will help during this time. Fondly, Chris and Lou Pandolfe

- chris and lou pandolfe, West hartford, Ct.

Nancy and Family We were so saddened to hear about Jack. We thought so much of him and had a high regard for him. Nancy, be strong and let us know if you need anything

- Jim and Donna Phillips, Savannah, Ga

We were saddened to read about Jack in the Htfd. Courant and send along our sympathy to you, Nancy, and all the family. We remember fondly our golf games and fun together so many years ago now. Jack will be missed, of course, and we are sorry. Our very best to you and know that our thoughts are with you. Love, Joanie and Tucker.

- Joanie amd Tucker Warner, West Hartford, CT

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that our dear Jack is not with us I will always treasure the wonderful memories we shared. Can't help but think somewhere he and Carrol are raising a glass and saying, " What crazy things do you think Nance and Suz will do without us to talk some sense into them? My love to you Nance and your wonderful family You're very special

- Suzanne Griggs, Cedar rapids, Iowa

Dear Nancy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Kerry has shared many great stories about the wonderful times she has spent with the two of you from visiting in Australia to her trips to Savannah. I always get a kick out of the golf lessons her Grandpa Jack would make her take every visit before ever stepping foot on the course. My deepest sympathy.

- Drew Brinkoetter, Boston, MA

Nancy, our deepest sympathy to you and the family on Jacks passing. Although we only met after you came to Savannah, those few years we golfed together and discussed the world were very enjoyable ( even if we did not agree, all the time ), and memorable. He was a good man and will be missed by all who knew him.

- john madej, savannah, ga

Dear Nancy and family - We want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Jack. We often remember and cherish the good times the four of us shared hosting couples Sunday golf and guest days at The HGC. A special fun memory is watching Jack ace the third hole one Sunday afternoon. His spirit will always be with you for eternity. Lorraine and Bob Albanesi

- Lorraine and Bob Albanesi, West Hartford , CT

Jack and I have been good friends since 1967 when we first met as part of IBM's Insurance Industry Marketing Group in Princeton NJ. I later worked for Jack in his great Harford Branch Office. He was a fantastic leader as well as my good friend. We spent great times together in the far east and France. Our faamilies were close and we were instramental in Jack and Nancy coming to The Landings. His passing is very hard to come to grips with. I will miss him greatly. So very sad. Nancy, you know we are here for you. Love, Bill and Penny

- Bill Bayfield, Savannah, Ga

Nancy and Family, You have our deepest sympathy in this time sorrow. God's peace ......

- Bob Thompson, Pine City, Minnesota

Dear Nancy, My thoughts and prayers are with you.. Wish I could be there. Rosaleen

- Rosaleen Roxburgh, Savannah, Ga

Dear Nancy and Family We were greatly saddened to hear about Jack's death. We hope your sorrow will be soonreplaced by all the good memories of.your life.with Jack.. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love,, Chris and Don

- Chris and Don Deless, Vero Beach, Fl.

Nancy I was shocked to hear of Jack's death. I will remember him with great affection and fondly recall the fun times we had together with you and Jack, at Grand Harbor.. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Fondly, Raleighine ?

- Raleighine Hoppe, Vero Beach, Fl

Dear Nancy , We are deeply saddened by the loss of your dear husband and our friend. All our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom and Cristina Tom and Cristina Coughran Savannah GA

- Tom and Cristina Coughran, Savannah, Ga

Nancy, SO sorry to receive the terribly sad news. You are in the thoughts and prayers of several continents of friends; yours is a special family.

- Peggy Quiros, West Hartford, Ct

Dear Nancy, It is so hard to believe that Jack is not still with us. So many great times on the golf course, so much fun at parties and Grand Harbor events. Jack had a unique sense of humor - usually on display in a quick remark about the world as he saw it. All our prayers and fondest thoughts are with you. Love, Carole & Don

- Carole & Don Casey, Vero Beach, FL

Dear Nancy, We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. We hope that you grief passes quickly, and that you only have happy memories of your time together. Jack was such a good soul, and I will miss the conversations that we had at the store. Kevin & Jeneen Smith

- Kevin & Jeneen Smith, Savannah, Georgia

Nancy, We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Jack, gone far too soon. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your whole family. We are going to try to return to Savannah in time for the Mass at St. John's. Mary and Rick

- Mary and Rick Maier, Savannah, GA

Dear Nancy and Family, We are heartbroken for you and your precious family. Jack was such a kind, soft-spoken, sweet man. It has been a joy to know him and you. We will miss his presence. Peace be with you and your family. God Bless.

- Cheryl and Frank Liebgott, Savannah, GA

Dear sweet Nancy, What a beautiful smile Jack had and we love the photo you chose to share with all of us. He was a wonderful man filled with laughter at parties, an interesting dinner partner and gracious host. Jack was one of our favorites and he will be missed tremendously. Peace be with you, your family and those you hold dear.

- John & Carolyn Szlasa, Savannah, GA

Dear Nancy and Family, We are deeply saddened by the loss of our best friend and buddy and we will miss him dearly. We will never forget all the wonderful memories and good times we shared together with you and Jack. We will miss him dearly and his fabulous sense of humor! Love you guys! Ed and Kathy

- Ed and Kathy Tracy and Family, Vero Beach, Fl

Dear Nancy and family, So glad that you and your precious Jack moved to savannah. Loved reading about your life and travels together and will always remember his kind sweet smile. Lots of love in this difficult time, Monica and Gary

- Monica and Gary Hughes, Savannah, GA

Dearest Nancy, Having you and Jack as neighbors in Coventry was fantastic. Jack had a great sense of humor. Nancy, we had such fun playing bridge on Mondays with our 2 tables in Vero Beach. Tom & I were in Alaska when Jack passed. We love all of the memories we have with you both. Our prayers are with you. We will never forget the fun times we had together. Carole & Tom Miller

- Carole & Tom Miller, Vero Beach, FL

Nancy, Les and I were saddened to hear of Jack's passing recently. We had heard of his recent health issues, but did not know how serious they were. We have many good memories, especially when we evacuated to GA during the Hurricanes of 2004. Take care, fondly Mary and Les Lindsay

- Mary Lindsay, Vero Beach, FL

Dearest Nancy, It is with great sadness to hear of your loss, it will be a loss to we that got to know him !! He was a fine man who loved you and his family very much. My prayers will be with and to you all. Love George Nagel

- George Nagel, Clermont, Fl

I go way back to Jack's grader school days at St. Bernard's in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Sorry to hear of his passing, Rest in peace, Jack. Barbara

- Barbara (Desch) O'Toole, Pittsburrgh, Pa

I go way back to Jack's grader school days at St. Bernard's in Mt. Lebanon, PA. Sorry to hear of his passing, Rest in peace, Jack. Barbara

- Barbara (Desch) O'Toole, Pittsburrgh, Pa

Nancy....We knew from Henry and Cathy's recent visit that Jack was not doing well. We were so saddened to hear of his passing. We have such wonderful memories of your visit to our home in Prague . Our sincere and deepest sympathy to you and your family Otto and Leata Jelinek

- Jelinek, Prague, CZ

I have many fond memories working for Jack at IBM in Hartford. He set a great example, was a tremendous leader, and of course, was a great success. We always had a lot of fun at the GHO, and I loved getting to know you both out at the Course, entertaining the customers. I think of you both often, and at the various IBM mini-reunions, we all speak very highly of "the good old days" at Hartford Commercial 179. I am truly sorry for your loss, and am happy that your now much-extended family can help keep the great memories alive. Jack will be sorely missed by many people, and know that we are all thinking of you, Nancy. Hugs to you.

- Lydia Bartinik Anderson, The Villages, FL

Dear Nancy, We were so sad to hear of Jack's passing. Please know that your friends are here for you. With deepest sympathy for you and your Family.

- Jack & Eleanor Kiel, Savannah, GA

Nancy, sorry for your loss. I don't think I ever knew you, however I knew Jack well. I was at the IBM office when Jack came there as the branch manager. He was sent there to "clean-up" the office. He replaced most of the management and set the office on a successful path to be first in sales and service. He never violated the first tenet of IBM - "respect for the individual." He was a tough boss but always fair. I have to admit I was a challenge to him at times, but he was always tolerant with me. His famous saying was "shape up or get on the red bus." He was a special person in the office and in the community. My career flourished under his direction. He was a great man. I am glad I knew him.

- Larry Zimmerman, Amston, CT

Dear Nancy and family, It is with great fondness that we recall your time in W.H. We so enjoyed seeing you at the Club and I recall your boys in Sedgwick--(think it was Mike who wrote about being a music conductor!)We were so sad to hear of Jack's passing and we hope that wonderful memories and that the presence of your family will help during this time. Fondly, Chris and Lou Pandolfe

- chris and lou pandolfe, West hartford, Ct.

Nancy and Family We were so saddened to hear about Jack. We thought so much of him and had a high regard for him. Nancy, be strong and let us know if you need anything

- Jim and Donna Phillips, Savannah, Ga

We were saddened to read about Jack in the Htfd. Courant and send along our sympathy to you, Nancy, and all the family. We remember fondly our golf games and fun together so many years ago now. Jack will be missed, of course, and we are sorry. Our very best to you and know that our thoughts are with you. Love, Joanie and Tucker.

- Joanie amd Tucker Warner, West Hartford, CT

I'm still trying to wrap my head around the fact that our dear Jack is not with us I will always treasure the wonderful memories we shared. Can't help but think somewhere he and Carrol are raising a glass and saying, " What crazy things do you think Nance and Suz will do without us to talk some sense into them? My love to you Nance and your wonderful family You're very special

- Suzanne Griggs, Cedar rapids, Iowa

Dear Nancy, my thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Kerry has shared many great stories about the wonderful times she has spent with the two of you from visiting in Australia to her trips to Savannah. I always get a kick out of the golf lessons her Grandpa Jack would make her take every visit before ever stepping foot on the course. My deepest sympathy.

- Drew Brinkoetter, Boston, MA

Nancy, our deepest sympathy to you and the family on Jacks passing. Although we only met after you came to Savannah, those few years we golfed together and discussed the world were very enjoyable ( even if we did not agree, all the time ), and memorable. He was a good man and will be missed by all who knew him.

- john madej, savannah, ga

Dear Nancy and family - We want to express our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Jack. We often remember and cherish the good times the four of us shared hosting couples Sunday golf and guest days at The HGC. A special fun memory is watching Jack ace the third hole one Sunday afternoon. His spirit will always be with you for eternity. Lorraine and Bob Albanesi

- Lorraine and Bob Albanesi, West Hartford , CT

Jack and I have been good friends since 1967 when we first met as part of IBM's Insurance Industry Marketing Group in Princeton NJ. I later worked for Jack in his great Harford Branch Office. He was a fantastic leader as well as my good friend. We spent great times together in the far east and France. Our faamilies were close and we were instramental in Jack and Nancy coming to The Landings. His passing is very hard to come to grips with. I will miss him greatly. So very sad. Nancy, you know we are here for you. Love, Bill and Penny

- Bill Bayfield, Savannah, Ga

Nancy and Family, You have our deepest sympathy in this time sorrow. God's peace ......

- Bob Thompson, Pine City, Minnesota

Dear Nancy, My thoughts and prayers are with you.. Wish I could be there. Rosaleen

- Rosaleen Roxburgh, Savannah, Ga

Dear Nancy and Family We were greatly saddened to hear about Jack's death. We hope your sorrow will be soonreplaced by all the good memories of.your life.with Jack.. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Love,, Chris and Don

- Chris and Don Deless, Vero Beach, Fl.

Nancy I was shocked to hear of Jack's death. I will remember him with great affection and fondly recall the fun times we had together with you and Jack, at Grand Harbor.. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time. Fondly, Raleighine ?

- Raleighine Hoppe, Vero Beach, Fl

Dear Nancy , We are deeply saddened by the loss of your dear husband and our friend. All our thoughts and prayers are with you. Tom and Cristina Tom and Cristina Coughran Savannah GA

- Tom and Cristina Coughran, Savannah, Ga

Nancy, SO sorry to receive the terribly sad news. You are in the thoughts and prayers of several continents of friends; yours is a special family.

- Peggy Quiros, West Hartford, Ct

Dear Nancy, It is so hard to believe that Jack is not still with us. So many great times on the golf course, so much fun at parties and Grand Harbor events. Jack had a unique sense of humor - usually on display in a quick remark about the world as he saw it. All our prayers and fondest thoughts are with you. Love, Carole & Don

- Carole & Don Casey, Vero Beach, FL

Dear Nancy, We are so sorry to hear of Jack's passing. We hope that you grief passes quickly, and that you only have happy memories of your time together. Jack was such a good soul, and I will miss the conversations that we had at the store. Kevin & Jeneen Smith

- Kevin & Jeneen Smith, Savannah, Georgia

Nancy, We are so sorry for the loss of your sweet Jack, gone far too soon. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your whole family. We are going to try to return to Savannah in time for the Mass at St. John's. Mary and Rick

- Mary and Rick Maier, Savannah, GA

Dear Nancy and Family, We are heartbroken for you and your precious family. Jack was such a kind, soft-spoken, sweet man. It has been a joy to know him and you. We will miss his presence. Peace be with you and your family. God Bless.

- Cheryl and Frank Liebgott, Savannah, GA

Dear sweet Nancy, What a beautiful smile Jack had and we love the photo you chose to share with all of us. He was a wonderful man filled with laughter at parties, an interesting dinner partner and gracious host. Jack was one of our favorites and he will be missed tremendously. Peace be with you, your family and those you hold dear.

- John & Carolyn Szlasa, Savannah, GA

Dear Nancy and Family, We are deeply saddened by the loss of our best friend and buddy and we will miss him dearly. We will never forget all the wonderful memories and good times we shared together with you and Jack. We will miss him dearly and his fabulous sense of humor! Love you guys! Ed and Kathy

- Ed and Kathy Tracy and Family, Vero Beach, Fl

Services under the direction of:

Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200