John Thomson Obituary

John Webster Thomson III Charleston - On Independence Day, July 4, 2016, John "Jack" Webster Thomson III, historian, Charleston author, and very talented Charleston Tour Guide, passed peacefully into the landscapes of history. Born in Miami, FL in 1939, to John Webster Thomson, Jr. and Dorothy Robillard Thomson, Jack began his career as a claims adjuster for Crawford and Co.; later serving as an agent for Prudential Insurance. He found his real calling as an author and Charleston Tour Guide. Jack's walking tour, which gained a reputation as a scholarly presentation of Charleston architecture, included impeccably researched, accurate facts pertaining to celebrated historical persons and events of the antebellum period. Using his background as an Army Signal Corp Photographer, he researched and collected photographs from the 1861-1865 period of Charleston. Jack educated Charleston tourists regarding the authentic impact the Civil War had on not only soldiers, but also everyday citizens and businesses. The study of Charleston photography led Jack to publish "CHARLESTON AT WAR", now in its fourth printing. The books detail the story of northern photographers who came to photograph our "Ruined City." They published their work in northern newspapers. Jack used a technique called shadowdating to identify the special features of their work. Jack was an avid Revolutionary and Civil War Reenactor. He was Commander of the Second South Carolina Regiment of Foot during the South Carolina Bicentennial. As a Civil War Reenactor he participated in many anniversaries of Gettysburg, Pickett's Charge and the Surrender at the Arlington Courthouse. Jack Thomson and Mary Peters met and married at First Scots Presbyterian Church. Jack often said that his happiest years were during his marriage to Mary, as they traveled to the sites of so many historic events. However, they most enjoyed afternoons reading in the shade at Middleton Plantation and Gardens. Jack also enjoyed watching Mary's business, Care For Life, grow and helping her with decisions that made it a success. In addition to his spouse of 22 years, Mary Elizabeth Peters of Charleston, Jack is also survived by a sister, Jeanne Thomson Phillips, of Waynesville, NC, and a brother, Douglas Robillard Thomson of Charlottesville, VA; as well as many nieces and nephews. Jack's was a life well lived. Relatives and friends are invited to attend a graveside service Friday, July 29, 2016, at 10:30 a.m. at Riverview Memorial Park, 3715 Azalea Drive, North Charleston. A reception will follow at the Charleston Library Society. Arrangements by J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charleston Library Society, 164 King Street, Charleston, SC 29401. A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston