

John graduated from the prestigious Sleepy Hollow High School in 1967, located in the historic village of Sleepy Hollow, New York. Consistently ranked among the top 5-10% of high schools in New York State, the school is celebrated not only for its academic excellence but also for its diverse and inclusive student body. The school reflects the rich tapestry of cultures, socio-economic backgrounds, and inclusive values that define the village.
John maintained a lifelong connection to his hometown, often returning to visit his family who remained in the area until their passing. A natural leader and a lifelong learner, John was what one might call a journeyman—absorbing knowledge wherever he went, and always eager to pass it on to others. He firmly believed in the adage: "A smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others." This wisdom, combined with his generous spirit, made him a perfect fit for his role at Home Depot, where he took pride in helping customers and sharing the extensive knowledge he had gathered over the years.
Outside of his professional life, John found joy in drag racing, attending National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) races often and cherished sport fishing—pastimes that he and his wife, Rhonda, both enjoyed together. A devoted giver, John relished the opportunity to impart his hard-earned wisdom and life experiences to those around him. Above all, his greatest joy came from spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
John married Rhonda Faye (Butt) Thomson in 1992, with whom he is now reunited in the afterlife. He leaves behind a legacy of love, wisdom, and cherished memories. He will be deeply missed by his children, John and Lisa Thomson, and Bill and Jennifer Cox, as well as his beloved grandchildren: Zachary Cox and Samantha Russell, Kyle Cox, Kahea Cox, and Alicia Doucet. His memory will also live on in the hearts of countless friends, coworkers, and others whose lives he touched.
Family will receive friends from 5:00-7:00PM on Wednesday at ADVANTAGE by SCHOEDINGER NORTH, 5554 Karl Road in Columbus, where his Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, Thursday, October 24th. Sean Warren, Celebrant. Interment will follow at Union Cemetery.
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