John David Thompson Jr., 74, of Jacksonville, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2026. Born on April 28, 1952, in Munich, Germany, he lived a life devoted to his family and his career in public service.
Known affectionately by many as âJD,â âDavid,â and âJudge,â he served with distinction as an Administrative Law Judge, dedicating many years of his life to upholding fairness, integrity, and justice. He truly loved his work and took great pride in the career he built, earning the respect of colleagues and all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.
He was also a firm believer in the value of education and dedicated much of his life to academic achievement. His educational accomplishments included a Bachelor of Arts from Nicholls State University; a Master of Arts from University of Southwestern Louisiana; a Master of Arts from Kansas State University; a Juris Doctor from Louisiana State University; a Master of Laws from Southern Methodist University; a Doctor of Philosophy from University of Nebraska; and a Doctor of Juridical Science from Tulane University.
He loved watching sports, especially cheering on the Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Dodgers, and LSU Tigers football. He also enjoyed listening to smooth jazz, reading books, and spending time playing with his beloved dogs.
A devoted Catholic and loving family man, he cherished the life he built with his wife, Leonie Thompson, whom he married almost 29 years ago. Together they created a family grounded in love, loyalty, and compassion.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Leonie Thompson; his daughter, Courtney Thompson Rieger; his son, Zachary Thompson; his mother-in-law, Luisita Bionson; and his siblings, Bernadette Thompson Shingleton, Dennis Thompson, and Brian Thompson. He was preceded in death by his sister, Colleen Frederick, and by his parents, John Thompson Sr. and Nettie Bernadette Thompson.
He will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his sharp intellect, his sense of humor, and the kindness he extended to others throughout his life. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved him.
May he rest in eternal peace.
A visitation will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at the Evergreen Funeral Home Chapel located under the bell tower in Evergreen Cemetery, 4535 Main Street, Jacksonville, FL. followed by the service at 11:00 am. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Evergreen Funeral Home- (904) 353-3649
8 Comments
I worked with Judge Thompson for many years and always enjoyed the time we shared. My condolences to his family.
I met JD when I was appointed as an ALJ in 2010 and he became a mentor upon my joining the Jacksonville office in 2013. We laughed and lamented sporting losses and talked about just about anything we could think of while sorting out cases. I respected his opinion tremendously, and he did mine as well, even when we came down in opposite directions. I loved that about my friend and have missed him for many years as weâd lost touch over the years since retirement. My condolences go out to his family. Judge Thompson was a brilliant man. God rest his soul.
JD and I were class mates at Nicholls State from 1970-73. Both in the same curriculum and had many classes together. It was amazing to all how brilliant he was having such a major handicap. During those years it was a given that he would be successful in any endeavor. He was kind, respectful of others, funny with his dry wit,highly opinionated and always believed and did what was right. Non of his academic accomplishments surprise me for there was not a course know to man that he could have aced with ease. However his true legacy is the family he created. A loving caring wife and two beautiful children any one would be proud to call their own. I will miss my friend but will take with me all of the great times we had together.
May eternal rest be with him always
Judge Thompson and I shared numerous road trips to Tallahassee, Gainesville and Panama City. We would load the Tundra with suitcases and case files. We spent the week hearing cases and sharing meals. John was a great companion and dinner partner. His presence was a welcome companion easing the boredom of a week long stay in Gainesville, which was only exceeded by weeklong stays in Tallahassee. I am very grateful for his company in those toad trips. I miss his company and his friendship. I wish I could tell him that my son still drives the Tundra. RIP old friend!
I was Judge Thompsonâs Reader Assistant in the Jacksonville office for 12 years. Even though I didnât have any experience, Judge was patient, kind and funny and made coming to work interesting. He always had stories to tell about this or that with some smooth jazz playing in the background. Anytime I hear that music it always reminds me of him. Rest in peace my dear friend. Youâll be missed.
Judge Thompson was an inspiration in me raising my legally blind son 28 years ago. He would tell me âYolanda donât baby him, let him run into the wall and bump his head. Tell him to get up and shake it off.â I would like to think my independent son is a better man today from the words of wisdom Judge Thompson gave me so many years ago.
When we both worked at Acadiana Legal Service Corporation in Lafayette, Louisiana, I co-counseled with J.D. on Social Security cases in federal court. We often had lunch together and I remember driving him to the airport in New Orleans when he left the state. I’ve missed his company ever since.
JD was my supervisor at Acadiana legal service corporation. I will never forget the day he told me âif you donât apply to law school, I will fire you!â I did go to law school, and I accomplished so much more than I ever thought I was capable of, because of JDâs Constant inspiration, support and love. He Was a man of unparalleled character, kindness and compassion. The world was a better place with him in it, and heaven is now a better place with him in it.
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