Obituary of John Augustus Thompson, Jr.

Mr. John Augustus Thompson, Jr. passed into the eternal kingdom of Heaven on August 1, 2024.  Mr. Thompson was born in Long Branch, New Jersey.  He lived and resided in Wall Township for most of his life.  He was also a resident of West Palm Beach Florida, and Aiken, South Carolina.  He and his beloved wife-built homes in Howell Township, New Jersey and Bushkill, Pennsylvania.  They also traveled with their basset hounds in their motorhome for ten years. They loved to travel and visited many areas throughout the United States and abroad, including, Jamaica, St. John’s Island, St. Martin, San Francisco, and Hawaii. Mr. Thompson also took his wife on a ten-day cruise on the SS Norway.  Amongst their traveling adventures John proposed to his beloved wife, Helen, In 1980 in Bushkill, Pennsylvania. They later built a home in Bushkill within the Pine Ridge community.

Mr. Thompson was predeceased by his beloved wife on September 29, 2009. He was completely devoted to her. He was her caregiver for many years and under his care, he made sure that she received the best medical care possible in all three states.

His parents, John Augustus Thompson, SR. passed in 1985, his mother Doris (Pearce) Elizabeth Thompson passed into eternal rest in 1986.  He lost several relatives during that period. His Aunt J. Wolfe, Uncle Dick Wolfe, Uncle Harold Thompson, Uncle Edward Pearce, Aunt Dorothy Pearce; Grandmother Lillian Acerino and Grandfathers Carl and Fred Pearce. Also, his grandmother Sophie Pearce passed in the year 1948.

Mr. Thompson is survived by a brother, Ronald H. Thomson, his wife Daryl of New York. His nephews, Ryan Thompson of New Jersey and Jeremy Thompson, who resides in Huntersville, North Carolina and Dan Murdoch, his nephew who was a wonderful inspiration to his Uncle John, and always there when needed.  There are many more nieces and nephews he leaves behind. He is also survived by two stepchildren, Robert Shamu of Pennsylvania and Patricia (Shamu) Fey of New Jersey.  John also leaves behind three grandchildren. 

Mr. Thompson was one of the founding members of The Boy Scout Troup #78 of Wall Township. He had twenty-seven merit badges. He earned his God and Country Award at the West Belmar Methodist Church after a year, under the guidance and direction of Reverend Southwick. John also took care of the grounds of the Church for several years. While attending Murray State University he was a member of the school varsity debate team, served as program director and as assistant director with Camp NYDA (New York Diabetes Association). After eight years he had to resign because of illness. While teaching, he had the great honor of a yearbook dedicated in his honor due to his dedication, work ethic and service at Saddle Brook High School in Saddle Brook, New Jersey. This was in the late 1960’s. Mr. Thompson taught Journalism, Public Speaking, American Literature, History and Media in Society. He attended Murray State University, Newark State College, Montclair University, Monmouth University, and Brookdale College.

Mr. Thompson was married only once. He renewed his vows to his beloved wife Helen in 2001 at Holy Cross Church in Florida.

While in Florida, he was an Elder at The Church of the Holy Cross in West Palm Beach, Bond Fund Chairperson, Stewardship Leader, Solo Singer, Praise and Worship Singer, on the Property Committee and assisted his wife, Helen, in her Care Giving Ministry and Alter Guild Program. His wife, Helen, was Chairperson of both programs. He was “reborn” in 1997 by the Holy Spirit at Holy Cross Church. His spiritual leadership became a great influence in relationship to his life. The LORD filled him with many gifts to serve the church and congregation.

When in Aiken, he became a member within the South Aiken Church of God under the spiritual leadership of Reverend Bruce C. Fox and Reverend Ken Murphy.  At South Aiken Church of God, he became a member of the praise/ worship choir under the direction of Angela O. Murphy, Reverend Fox, and Reverend Murphy. Mrs. Murphy was an inspiration to John in his relationship to his soul and spirit. Thanks to these three individuals he will be singing the praises of God the Father in Heaven. John was a regular attendant to St. John’s Methodist Church for the Grief Share Program.

He loved golfing, bowling, church singing, camping, history, politics, and garden work. He was a life member of the National Education Association and the New Jersey Education Association. A former member of the Good Sam Organization, Motor Coach of America Association, newspaper advisor, and yearbook advisor. He was also an innovator regarding the “Mock Trial” which involved the Kent state situation at a High School level.

A memorial service will be conducted at the Mercy Church at a time to be announced.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to Mercy Church, 2700 Whiskey Road, Aiken, South Carolina 29803.

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234 has charge of arrangements.

Online expressions of sympathy for the family maybe left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com.

John and Helen will once again meet in loving glory and serve the FATHER and Son in All of their glory; PRAISE THE LORD!!  Many thanks to all our friends in West Palm Beach Florida, New Jersey and Aiken, South Carolina.