Jon Thompson

1946 - 2025

Jon Hunter Thompson, 78, of Pickens, South Carolina, loving husband of Jean H. Thompson,passed away peacefully at home on August 22, 2025. Jon was the son of David and Margaret Thompson.
He was born October 10, 1946 in Denton, Texas. Jon was always proud of being a fourth generation Texan. He grew up in Austin and was a graduate of Stephen F Austin High School and the University of Texas School of Architecture. After serving several years on the faculty there, he.earned a Masters degree in Architecture from the University of Oregon in Eugene. He then returned to Texas and was hired by the University of Texas at San Antonio School of Architecture in 1982 to be their first full-time instructor, retiring in 2012 after 30 years of teaching.
Jon's Architecture students were inspired by his creativity and his experiences as a practicing architect. He loved hosting an annual Thanksgiving dinner for his students who were not able to go home for the holiday. Those who knew him will always remember his sense of humor, his love of storytelling, his welcoming spirit, and his deep love of teaching design.
While living in San Antonio, Jon was involved in his Tobin Hill neighborhood association and his concern for his neighborhood inspired him to run for San Antonio City Council. He also had a lifelong love of writing and was working on five different books at the time of his death.
Jon leaves behind a legacy of his craftsmanship, creativity and design in the buildings he designed. After retiring and moving to upstate South Carolina, Jon met his wife Jean and they enjoyed gardening together and day trips spent exploring.
Jon was active in his church and was passionate about sharing his Christian faith with others.
In addition to his wife, Jon is survived by his brother Dan Thompson (Joan) of Austin, sister Janet Thompson Masters of Cleveland, SC, nephews Nathan Masters (Ashley), Adam Masters (Kaylee) and Jack Thompson, and great nieces and nephews Alden, Eli, Violet and Ridge.
A memorial service was held in Pickens, South Carolina on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Memorial contributions may be made to Jon's beloved church where he and Jean met: Russell Community Church, 200 Agnew Rd., Greenville SC 29617.