Former V.I. Daily News editor John David Thompson, 82, died Friday. He began working at the Daily News in 1970 and was the paper’s editor when he left in 1979.
He began his career at the Ted Bates Advertising Agency in New York. His long career as a journalist, writer and editor included stints at Crown Publishing, “Seventeen Magazine,” and Raven Corp.
Born April 17, 1929 in New York City to Cecil and Fay Thompson, Thompson was married to Marilyn "Lynn" Thompson for 61 years. She died May 28.
Thompson is survived by his six children, David and his wife Jill, Christopher, Laurie, Jean, Meg and her husband Gary Pemberton, and Patti. He is also survived by grandchildren Jackie Trimmer, Ian Thompson, Matt Centers, Davey Centers, Sarah Pemberton,and Becca Pemberton, as well as sister-in-law Midge Shaw and nieces Chrissie McGuire and Julie Carney.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Grace Episcopal Church on Russell Road in Alexandria, Va.
In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association.
