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John Compton Obituary
Nashville, TN
John Joseph Compton (b. May 17, 1928) died Saturday, January 18, 2014 after 85 full and joyous years of life.
Son of Nobel Prize winning physicist, Arthur Holly Compton, John grew up surrounded by a passion for learning. After completing his doctoral work at Yale University in 1952, Dr. Compton was asked to be part of the newly formed Philosophy Department at Vanderbilt University, where he taught for 46 years. Known for his infectious exuberance and ability to connect with students, John won numerous teaching awards and was Department Chair for many years. He never met someone without learning something new about them and about the world. During Nashville's tumultuous early 1960s, he was a determined civil rights activist, and he continued to champion social justice and environmental causes throughout his life.
He married his college sweetheart, Marjorie Ann Yaple Compton, with whom he shared a remarkable 63 years of marriage. Their three children, Elizabeth Holly Compton Interlandi (Nashville, TN), Catherine Marchus Compton Swanson (Lexington, MA), and John Arthur Compton (Eagle, ID), remember his love of science and ideas, art, literature, and music, food, nature, and his family - and above all, his beautiful wife, Marjorie. He was the beloved grandfather of Nina Marie Interlandi Bell, Holly Catherine Interlandi, Mary Lindsay Interlandi, and Lisa Rachelle Christensen and great-grandfather of Samuel Lindsey Bell. Holly Interlandi summed up his influence by saying, "He was my intellectual hero."
In lieu of flowers and in memory of John's generous spirit, please consider making a contribution to his dear granddaughter, Mary's Interlandi Interlochen Memorial Fund (c/o Anne Westfall, University School of Nashville of Nashville, 2000 Edgehill Ave., Nashville, TN 37212).
John would have you go out into the world with open eyes and an open heart, do meaningful work, love your family and friends, and always ask good questions. His death has left a monumental hole in the hearts of many, but he will be remembered with great joy.
There are not yet any memorial service plans, but we may consider a time to share John Compton stories in the future. The extended family will undoubtedly gather on the shores of his family's summer cottage in Michigan to sing bonfire songs in his honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Compton
Linda Dudley Mutch
August 15, 2022
It has been a while since I last wrote to you. I am still holding you, your family, dear Marjorie, and John in my prayers. I graduated in 1982 and think of them often. Sending love, prayers, and happy blessings! AMEN!
John Valentine
December 5, 2014
I remember Dr. Compton from graduate classes in philosophy at Vanderbilt in the early 1970s. He was a wonderful man and great teacher. I really learned a great deal from him and I'm sorry to have just learned of his passing. My sincere condolences to his family. He is missed.
March 29, 2014
Dear Mrs. Compton and all of Dr. Compton's Family,
My first experience with this incredible man was in 1978. I was one of maybe 12 in a philosophy class and was blessed to be included in dinners at your home. I was so home sick at the time so, to be in a family home with you two as well as my class was heartwarming and lovely for me. I loved this man and frequently visited with him throughout my Vandy years....I even kept some of my essays with all his thoughts and rhetorical questions for me to ponder. He was so valuable to me and I held on to every word he said and his laughter! I am so enternally grateful to you for sharing him with us. I wrote him a couple years to tell him how much I loved him and was so thrilled but, not surprised to get a letter back from him which I will always cherish.
It has to be an incredible legacy to know that anybody who knew this wonderful, sweet, smart and happy man will ever forget him as long as they live. Even my kids know him although, they never had the opportunity to meet him. Through my memories they also know him.
I send my love to you all...and THANK YOU for having me for dinner when I needed a family. but, Mostly...You are in my prayers.. As Our Beloved John Comptom will always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love always,
Linda Dudley Mutch
Class of1982 Vanderbilt University
February 26, 2014
Dr. Compton was my mentor from 1965-68 and supervised my M.A. on Kant. He encouraged me to study abroad, the result being living in England for 8 years, completing a Ph.D. at Manchester University and teaching there in the philosophy department. He had an enormous influence on my life and I will always remember his counsel during some dark days.
Lawrence T. Jablecki, Ph.D.
Rice University
[email protected]
Nancy Malone
February 3, 2014
Prayers and sympathy to you all. So many cherished memories forever a part of me.
John Albert
February 2, 2014
VU class of '68. My sympathy and respect
Linda Yaple
January 26, 2014
Uncle John inspired me to be a better person sever since I was a little girl. I would wait impatiently every summer, yet excitedly, for the big invite to Otsego Lake. Aunt Marge was my father's sister and she was the best story teller one could ever ask for, especially about my dad. She was the perfect companion for Uncle John blessed with kindness and compassion. I remember Uncle John telling me one day at the Green Cottage picnic table that we should set goals for ourselves to make the summer memorable. So I said I would swim across the lake (I thought I was being clever since it was a requirement anyway to go out in the boat with the Big Kids)It was a win win!! That night at Mother B's cabin, right after the big dinner bell rang, he asked me how I felt about my goal. I said not only did I set it but I met it!I was done for the summer!And with all his compassion and kindness he said "well then you didn't set it high enough if you accomplished it in one day - go think about a bigger and better goal. As I grew up and continued my education and received my Doctorate I remembered his words. During my tenure in educational administration I practiced and preached about BHAGS (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and smile every time I discuss them with my peers, remembering dear Uncle John. He was also the one that comforted me when my father died and assured me that life would go on and that it was my challenge to continue his legacy. So, Beth, Cathy, Johnny, he would want you to continue his legacy and work to make this world a better place and I know in your individual ways you will do just that. Be proud to have such a wonderful father and mother!
A toast to you John Compton for sharing your gift with all of us and making the world just a little more respectable and nicer place to live" Linda Yaple
Carol Sontag
January 25, 2014
Thinking of all you who were our first memories at Yale.love, Carol
Carol Sontag
January 25, 2014
Thinking of all of you who are our first memories of Yale.
Love ,Carol
David and Sonya Greegor
January 25, 2014
I mainly knew Johnny through our mutual love interest: Otsego Lake. That common devotion started sometime in the early 50s and included many experiences that spanned the next 60 years, from trips to Hays Tower Road to pick feral apples to watching the documentary of the Atomic Quest in his parents' living room. In more recent years, Sonya and I enjoyed visiting with John and Margie and bird watching from their patio. No one is more personally and poignantly synonymous with Otsego, for me, than Johnny.
Oh, there are many “things” that I associate with Otsego such as our little white cabin with the yellow shutters, the blue canoe, my favorite outhouse (collapsing and illegal), and sunrises over the lake, but from a human standpoint, I could count on Johnny to be there, faithfully anchoring my Otsego summer memories from boyhood to senior citizen.
I can still hear his deep, delightful chuckle and philosophically observant comment in the summer of 2011 (after Sonya and I returned from our Peace Corps years in Mexico: “What an experience life has been for you and your Sonya, dear David.” Even though I didn't then, but I want to say to him and about him now is, “No, what an experience life has been for YOU, Johnny. What love of life and people you have shown and known.”
Even though Johnny is physically gone, I won't be able to go to Otsego Lake without feeling his presence as I walk south along the lake path. Along with the rest of everything that makes up the tapestry we all call Otsego---the family, the friends, the trees, the path, the cabins, the shutters, the boats, the docks, the water, the birds, the bonfires, the songs and the laughter, Johnny will be right there woven permanently into it all, with a huge smile and a knowing chuckle, forever.
Jerry and Pam Hirzel
January 24, 2014
John Comptom was a wonderful man and he will be missed by everyone that knew him. He touched many lives with his humor, kindness and knowledge. Our sincere sympathy to his wonderful family.
January 24, 2014
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of all as you go through this sad time. Lee Miller Nashville
Phil Oliver
January 24, 2014
I recall many happy holiday receptions in his home, many instructive hours in his classroom, and a moment in the Vandy bookstore early in grad school when he ambled over and exclaimed of the book I'd just picked up, "Willy James!" That small moment had a big impact. His daughter was also a very good teacher, of my daughter. That's the way of good teachers, to replicate and transmit ripples of good, down the generations. I agree with my old classmate who says JJC was the very epitome of what a college professor should be. Won't forget him.
January 23, 2014
I'm so grateful for JC's presence in my life. He was a great grad advisor, being most supportive when I really needed it, and constructively critical when such was warranted (which was fairly often).
More that this, though, he was, in the Buddhist language, a person we'd call a benefactor, somebody I connect with lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy, and equanimity. Whenever I would think of John, I would feel happy and grateful, and this shall still be true.
We've kept up an email correspondence over the years and so I take great solace that our last correspondence over thanksgiving was so meaningful.
My condolences to Margie and the family. John was a great man, and I imagine that you will miss him in so many ways.
Warmly,
Lee Rowen
Judy Thompson
January 23, 2014
We lost a hero, a friend, a wonderful philosopher, husband, father and grandfather. I will miss him.
Helen Koudelkova
January 22, 2014
John Compton had a profound influence upon me as a graduate student. Not just as a philosopher but as a human being. He was one of the most decent, compassionate, and thoughtful people I have ever known. He will always represent to me the epitome of a life well lived and reflected upon. I count myself most fortunate to have known him. Much love to his family.
A
January 21, 2014
Dear Compton family, I am so sorry for your loss, may you all find comfort by drawing close to God during this difficult time. James 4:8
Janet Schneider
January 21, 2014
Dr. Compton's lectures started in his classes but often continued in the dorms. He had a profound impact for good on so many attending college in some socially tough times. So great to teach with Beth, his daughter, and work with his grandchildren at USN some years after graduation from VU. Dr. Compton's greatness can be seen in all of them.
Lark Hayes
January 21, 2014
Such positive memories I have of Dr Compton from my days as a VU undergrad in the late '60's/early '70's. My gratitude for his life and his progressive influence on students like myself stretches back many years. My thoughts are with his family.
Lynne Rudder Baker
January 21, 2014
John was my dissertation director. He was the most fair-minded and kindest of human beings. I admired and loved him dearly. Although I haven't seen him often in recent years, I'll miss him and think of him frequently.
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