John Francis Thompson of Bonita Springs, Fla., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, April 22, 2025. He summered in Rye and Nantucket, Mass. He was born to Francis (Bud) Thompson and Bernadine (Critchlow) Thompson on July 25, 1938, in Terre Haute, Ind., where he grew up and later raised his family.
John is survived by his wife, Karen T. Butler, the love of his life, and his children: Marisa Thomas of Garden Grove, Calif.; Andrew (Xiaoyan) Thompson of Carmel, Ind.; Kevin (Cilene) Thompson of Ellettsville, Ind.; J.F. (Susan) of Sherman, Texas; Julie Butler of Sharon, Conn.; John Butler of Asheville, N.C.; and six grandchildren.
John graduated from Wiley High School in Terre Haute, Ind., where he starred as the quarterback of their football team. He later graduated from Indiana State University. He had a very successful career in the high-end estate jewelry business, both in Indiana and Florida.
John Thompson was a kind and generous, yet humble, man. He had a great smile and a winning way that touched many in a simple, but sincere, way. He had a great faith in God, although he was not one to pontificate. On a lighter side, he enjoyed being competitive, from playing cards games, favoring euchre, pinochle and bridge, to playing most sports, especially golf.
He was a member of Bonita Bay Country Club in Bonita Springs, Fla.,Westchester Country Club, and Sankaty Head Golf Club in Nantucket, Mass.
There will be a celebration of life for John F. Thompson from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Bonita Bay Country Club ballroom. All are welcome. Later there will be a graveside service at 2 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2025, in Terre Haute, Ind., where John will be laid to rest.
John was always a patriot and proud American. Donations may be made to Bonita Bay Veterans’ Council: 26660 Country Club Drive, Bonita Springs, FL 34134.
