PARA Members and Friends,

With regrets, I just found out a few minutes ago that a long term PARA Member John Thompson, K3FJU, passed away June 20 at Paoli Hospital. He was 71 years old. John was active many years ago with PARA, the PARA Board of Directors, and relaying the weekly "News Line" reports by first recording them via audio over the telephone, and then rebroadcasting over PARA's 146.76 Repeater System (before the Internet was popular). He was also an active DX'er.

Additional details and pictures may be found at: http://www.wrightfuneralservices.com/notices/John-ThompsonJr

John Simms Thompson passed away after a brief illness on Saturday, June 20, 2015 at Paoli Hospital at the age of 71, surrounded by loved ones.

John was born on February 12, 1944 in Philadelphia, PA to Cecelia (Wooby) Thompson and John Simms Thompson, Sr.  His father worked in electronics and built one of the first televisions made.

John attended St. Thomas More High School, Philadelphia, PA.  He was drafted into the Army in 1965 during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Ft. Monmouth, NJ as an electronics instructor from 1965-1967.  Shortly thereafter, he was employed by the General Electric Company that was merged with Martin Marietta and later merged with Lockheed Martin.  He was employed as an electrical engineer by these companies for 50 years employment by the same company.

He was the chairman of Chester County Opportunities Industrialization Centers, Inc. for 11 years from 1999 until 2010.  Since 1981, John was a devoted member of a non-profit community and family oriented group called Families Together.

He loved being a Ham Radio Operator and talked to people all around the world.  During the Johnstown Flood in the 1970’s, he was able to provide communication for many people affected by the storm.  John’s favorite pastime was travelling.

John is survived by his wife, Xiurong Zhu, his daughter Susan Thompson, his son John Stephen Thompson and his adopted son, Jun Xie.  He is also survived by two granddaughters, Mikayla May and Lillian Marley Thompson and one cousin, Phillip Gundy and wife (Barbara).

Memorial to celebrate John’s life will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2015 at 3pm until 6pm at 411 Providence Hill Road, Coatesville, PA 19320.  Family and friends are welcome.  Interment will be private.