Judge John W. Thompson, Jr.: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Hon. John W. Thompson, Jr. (Ret.) was a judge for the York County Court of Common Pleas in Pennsylvania. He was elected to the bench in 1997. Thompson retired in May 2015.

During his judicial tenure, he held an assignment in the Family Court.

Thompson received a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh in 1968. He went on to complete a J.D. at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law in 1971.

Prior to joining the bench, Thompson had worked as a first assistant district attorney, where he was credited with prosecuting over twenty-five homicide cases. His legal career also included a stint in private practice and as a trustee for the United States Bankruptcy Panel.

Thompson held memberships with the American Bar Association, the Pennsylvania Bar Association, the York County Bar Association, and the Pennsylvania Conference of State Trial Judges.

Thompson, who is a third-generation public servant, is the grandson of Edward G. Ruff, former county commissioner and register of wills, and the son of John W. Thompson, Sr., former chairman of the York County Republican Party. His mother, Hilda, worked in the York City School District for over thirty years.