John Paul Thompson

John Paul Thompson (known by JT to many) passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 6, 2024, in Prospect Heights, Illinois at the age of 72. He was born June 21, 1952, in Waukesha, Wisconsin to John L. and Bernadine (Piekarski) Thompson. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years. He graduated from Maine West High School in 1970 and married Wendy Bouris on June 26, 1971, in Des Plaines, Illinois.

John is survived by his wife, his mother, his children Darcy (Jason) Sowle, Nicholas (Jaclyn) Thompson, and Rachel Thompson (partner Joseph Furbeck); grandchildren Eliana and Violet Sowle; siblings Darline (James) Birt, Cindy Ganze, Kay (Matthew) Wenzel, Cheryl (Robert) Wolfe, and Yvonne (Ronald) Hilliard; brother-in-law John Bouris; many nieces, nephews, friends and pet cats Eleanor, Pyewacket, and Shadow. He was preceded in death by his father, his brother-in-law Thomas Bouris and sister-in-law Sherry Seneca.

John spent his life working with computers, teaching himself everything he knew about programming and networking. In 1982, he founded his own company, JT Data, and took great pride in being self-employed, a career he was dedicated to and continued working in until his passing. In 2021, he suffered a stroke that left him unable to use his left side. However, due to his stubbornly independent nature, he impressed others by continuing to do most things on his own.

John was an avid fan of the Chicago Bulls, Blackhawks, and Bears. He enjoyed watching sports on television and listening to classic rock. He loved camping trips, Caribbean vacations, and visits to Florida. He especially enjoyed spending time in the sun, on or near the water, with a rum cocktail in hand, making new friends at the beach or poolside bars. John delighted in hosting backyard volleyball and pool parties with family and friends. He had a deep love for animals, which first attracted Wendy to him. Together, they shared a home filled with dogs, cats, and other beloved pets over the years. He will be remembered for his infectious smile and laughter.

Friends and family will gather for a celebration of life that will be held from 1 pm – 5 pm on Sunday, December 8, 2024, at The Tenth Hole at Rob Roy Golf Course, 505 E Camp McDonald Road, Prospect Heights, Illinois 60070. Please RSVP to Darcy Sowle at 847-409-0213 or [email protected]. Memorial donations may be made in John’s name to PAWS Chicago.