Obituary of John Horatio Thompson

John Horatio Thompson, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, July 11, 2025, surrounded by his beloved wife and family.

John was born on April 10, 1949, in St. George, Grenada, John migrated shortly afterward to his family’s home country of Jamaica, where he was raised in Kingston. In 1970, he migrated to the United States and lived in New Jersey for 46 years. Over the years, he also resided in Oklahoma for 4 years, Florida for 2 years, and the Dominican Republic for 3 years.

John graduated from Campion College in Kingston, then pursued higher education in the United States, earning an Associate Degree in Accounting from Essex County College in Newark, NJ. He continued his studies at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.

His career began as a psychiatric technician at Overbrook Hospital (1972–1975), followed by work as an insurance auditor at Fireman's Fund. In 1979, he moved to Oklahoma to work with his brother before returning to New Jersey to join Cigna Insurance as a field auditor. He later served as an EVS Manager at Sodexho until his retirement in 2014.

Beyond his professional life, John was a man of remarkable talent and generosity. Gifted with his hands, he was a skilled builder, plumber, contractor, and a man of many trades. He was always willing to help others, whether fixing a broken pipe, building a project from the ground up, or lending a hand in times of need. His resourcefulness, patience, and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

In 1975, John married Joy, with whom he had two children, Douglass and Nadia. They remained married for 26 years and divorced in 2001. In 2016, he married Orfelina Thompson and became a loving stepfather to Yoscar, Gabriel, and Stanley.

John was the son of the late Georgian Beatty Thompson and Ionie Albertine Dyer, and brother to the late Anthony and Fenella Thompson. He is survived by his wife, Orfelina; children Douglass, Nadia, Yoscar, Gabriel, and Stanley; grandchildren Isaiah, Natalia, Christian, Sienna, Nashla Ionie, Amara, Elijah, and Douglass Jr.; ex-wife Joy; nieces Nicola, Kristina, and Joy; cousins Carol and Russell; and many beloved extended family and friends.

John will be remembered for his hardworking spirit, his deep devotion to family, and his kindness to others. He leaves behind a legacy of strength, service, and compassion.

FUNERAL SERVICE

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew & Holy Communion, located at 160 West South Orange Ave, South Orange, NJ 07079

Services

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