John Samuel Thompson died peacefully at the Southwest Montana Veterans Home in Butte on November 26th, 2023.  John was born in Helena, Mt on August 2nd, 1946 to Ward and Ann (Coté) Thompson.  His family moved to Butte when he was a young boy.  He attended St. Patrick's Grade School and Boys Central High School.  He enlisted in the Navy in 1965 and was trained as a propulsion system repairman on the USS Jennings County.  He served in the Vietnam war for two years.  He married Wanda Weston in 1973.  They lived in Helena where he worked for Ward Thompson Paper Company as a salesman.  John was a magnet for people in need.  It gave him great joy to reach out to those who needed a helping hand.  He was an active member of the American Legion Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and served on the United Veterans Council's Color Guard.  He is survived by his brother Ward Thompson III and sisters Erin Sigl and Clancy Stockham, brother-in-law Pat Sigl, sisters-in-law Janet Thompson and Carol Thompson as well as numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.  John is preceded in death by his mother Ann Coté Smith, his father Ward Thompson Jr., his stepmother Virginia Thompson, his brother Don Thompson, his Uncle John "Harp" and Aunt Esther Coté and of course his dear Grandmother Anna Mary Coté.  Funeral Mass will be held at St. Patrick's Church on December 5th, 2023, at 10 am, visitation starting at 9:30.  Reception to follow interment at The Copper King Mansion. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southwestern Montana Veterans Home, any other veterans' organization, St. Patrick's Church, or a charity of your choice.