John S. Thompson Jr. ’56

Jack died suddenly July 23, 2012.

He graduated in 1952 from Swarthmore High School, where he played many sports and was captain of the football team his senior year. At Princeton, Jack studied basic engineering. He joined Ivy Club and played freshman and varsity football, where he was the center for three years. Jack’s senior-year roommates were Bob Aldrich, Mort Chute, and Herb Paschen.

Princeton was close to his heart, and he was proud that three generations of Thompsons were Princeton alums. After graduation in 1956, Jack did graduate work at Claremont University.

Jack spent his career in the business world. He was a senior vice president at Crocker National Bank; the assistant to the chairman, president, and CEO of Transamerica Corp.; and vice president and general manager of the western division of Sealed Air Corp. He also held positions at INA Corp., McKinsey & Co., Avisun Corp., and Union Carbide. Prior to retirement, he was a director, consultant, investor, and partner in multiple ventures and companies.

Jack is survived by his wife, Betty Lou; his sons, Christopher and Michael ’88; three stepchildren; nine grandchildren; and one nephew.

He was predeceased by his son, John III, and his sister, Marianne Burt. Loved by everyone, Jack’s spirit will be with us always.