John Richard Thompson

John Richard Thompson, of Highland Park, IL died on Saturday, July 23rd after a twelve-year battle with cancer. A fight he navigated with determination, good spirits, and humor throughout. John was 61 years old and born in Auckland New Zealand to Lenore Evelyn (Sigl) Thompson and the late Richard Henry Thompson while the family was on a diplomatic State Department assignment. Survivors include John's beloved wife Tammy Jader of 29 years along with their two children Maximillian and Isabella. John is also survived by his mother, Lenore (Sigl) Ryan along with his siblings Rachel Thompson, Luke Thompson, and Martha Thompson (Don Hartack). Survivors also include nieces and nephews, Clare Hoogesteger, Alex (Brenna) Thompson, Sam (Rose) Thompson, and Katie Thompson. He is also survived by the wonderfully welcoming and loving Jader family including Michael Jader, the late Robert Jader, and wife Betsy, Judy (Jader) and Bill Kropski, Nancy (Jader), and Scott Craker, Gary and Richelle Jader, and Scott and Anita Jader. There are so many cousins, nieces, and nephews in this large Swedish family, they are too numerous to list but he loved them all. John graduated from Appleton East High School in 1979 and then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison achieving a Bachelor of Business Degree in 1983. John spent his entire career in the transportation and insurance industries. His roles were mostly in sales and later in client management. John truly cherished the strong, long-lasting relationships he built with many of his co-workers and their families over the years. John had a great life and enjoyed downhill skiing, golf, tennis, fishing (trout and musky), and hunting (whitetail deer and roughed grouse). He was usually accompanied by longtime and close friends in these pursuits; friends he maintained throughout his life. Throughout his life John maintained and nurtured close relationships with family and friends. He connected deeply and brought people together with his upbeat attitude, humor, compassion, and caring. He loved being in this world and will be much missed even as he lives on in the hearts of his loved ones. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, August 13th at 2:00 pm at the Highland Park Presbyterian Church, 330 Laurel Avenue, Highland Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation. https://themmrf.org/. For more information, please contact Kelley & Spalding Funeral Home, 847-831-4260 or www.kelleyspaldingfuneralhome.com