Jay Herbert
Enthusiast
I like most have fond memories of working with John Thompson, and have been asked by his son to pass this on to the Viper community that JT loved so much and nurtured though its beginnings:
John R. Thompson, Ad Agency Founder, Viper Enthusiast.
The Viper community lost one of its original members this week.
John R. Thompson, founder of J.R. Thompson Company passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, in the comfort of his home from complications of emphysema and pulmonary heart disease.
Many of you knew John or “JT” as most referred to him. He spent a lifetime centered around automobiles and with people who love them. His interest in cars dates back to his boyhood days growing up in River Rouge, Michigan in the late 30s and early 40s. He was the consummate “Car Guy”.
John’s lifelong passion for automobiles influenced his decision to establish Thompson Advertising Productions, a Detroit based ad agency he founded in 1974. Thompson forged business with Chrysler Corporation originally working on the Direct Connection performance parts and Dodge Motorsports accounts. He was later instrumental in helping Viper enthusiasts form the Viper Club of America and began publishing Viper Magazine for Dodge which he actively continued to direct through his retirement. He loved everything that the Dodge Viper and the VCA stood for and was very proud of his company’s opportunity to be a part of this world wide growth.
Thompson devoted his entire professional career and much of his personal life to automobiles. He raced cars, collected cars, and was involved in many car clubs and events over the years. He was active in the MG Car Club, Dodge Brothers Club and as a board member of the Meadow Brook Concours ‘d Elegance.
Thompson was born April 14, 1934, to Richard and Lucile Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lillian; sons Clay and wife Deb, Zachary and wife Jeannine, and Richard; daughters Laura and husband John, Jennifer and husband John; and 7 grandchildren. A private memorial is being held in his remembrance.
John R. Thompson, Ad Agency Founder, Viper Enthusiast.
The Viper community lost one of its original members this week.
John R. Thompson, founder of J.R. Thompson Company passed away on Tuesday, March 21, 2006, in the comfort of his home from complications of emphysema and pulmonary heart disease.
Many of you knew John or “JT” as most referred to him. He spent a lifetime centered around automobiles and with people who love them. His interest in cars dates back to his boyhood days growing up in River Rouge, Michigan in the late 30s and early 40s. He was the consummate “Car Guy”.
John’s lifelong passion for automobiles influenced his decision to establish Thompson Advertising Productions, a Detroit based ad agency he founded in 1974. Thompson forged business with Chrysler Corporation originally working on the Direct Connection performance parts and Dodge Motorsports accounts. He was later instrumental in helping Viper enthusiasts form the Viper Club of America and began publishing Viper Magazine for Dodge which he actively continued to direct through his retirement. He loved everything that the Dodge Viper and the VCA stood for and was very proud of his company’s opportunity to be a part of this world wide growth.
Thompson devoted his entire professional career and much of his personal life to automobiles. He raced cars, collected cars, and was involved in many car clubs and events over the years. He was active in the MG Car Club, Dodge Brothers Club and as a board member of the Meadow Brook Concours ‘d Elegance.
Thompson was born April 14, 1934, to Richard and Lucile Thompson. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Lillian; sons Clay and wife Deb, Zachary and wife Jeannine, and Richard; daughters Laura and husband John, Jennifer and husband John; and 7 grandchildren. A private memorial is being held in his remembrance.
