John Paul Thomson, 65, passed away on April 18, 2017 after two lengthy battles with leukemia. Son of Charles and Louise Thomson, John resided in Kansas City almost his entire life - most recently raising his family in Overland Park. A graduate of Southwest High School, John attended Drury University where he met the love of his life Leslie. They graduated in 1973, married in 1974, and went on to pursue their careers while serving actively as members of the Independence Jaycees. Within the Jaycees, John served in various roles including president of the chapter in 1980 when the chapter won the Giessenbier Award for outstanding state chapter. John was also named a JCI Senator. John's career started at Hallmark, Waddell & Reed and BMA. He left the workforce in 1985 for his most important job yet - that of stay-at-home dad. In that role, John coached multiple sports, served in leadership roles within his children's school music programs, and happily became the "taxi" driver. John spent much of his time with the Boy Scouts. He began his scouting career with Troop 123 where he became an Eagle Scout. When his son started Scouts, he became actively involved with Troop 387. John was awarded the Celtic Cross, Outstanding Eagle Advisor having mentored over 40 young men, Outstanding Assistant Scoutmaster and was Camp Scoutmaster in 2001. He was also Sachem Flaming White Sunset in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. John was a strong advocate for the scouting program his entire life and treasured his three treks at the Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico. John is survived by his wife Leslie; his children Beth Nichol (Levi), Diane Markley (Josh), and Brian; his grandchildren Megan and Matthew Nichol and Nora Markley; sister June Besgrove (Dorris); nephews David and Philip Besgrove and nieces Sara Marsh and Jennifer Bennett; four great nieces and countless friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brothers Charles Edwin Thomson, Jr. and Joseph Thomson. The visitation will be Sunday, April 23 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church, 9300 Nall, Overland Park, KS. A Celebration of Life will take place at the church on Monday, April 24 at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be Monday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at Mount Moriah Cemetery South (10507 Holmes Road; Kansas City, MO 64131). Memorial contributions in John's name can be made to the Heart of America Council, Boy Scouts of America (https://www.hoac-bsa.org/, Rolling Hills Presbyterian Church or to the Kansas City Hospice Foundation (mail to: KCHPC; 1500 Meadow Lake Parkway, Suite 200; Kansas City, MO 64114). Mt Moriah & Freeman Funeral Home & Cemetery.