Life and Career
Born on November 10, 1983, in Washington, Pennsylvania, DJ Thompson grew up with a hands‑on approach to work. He attended McGuffey High School and later earned his GED, a step that set the stage for a lifelong love of building things. After a few years hammering away at jobs for other contractors, he launched his own venture, Thompson & Sons, a small but respected construction firm that handled everything from home renovations to new builds across the region.
When he wasn’t on a job site, DJ contributed his skills to Duerr Property Investments, where his reputation for reliability and craftsmanship made him a go‑to guy for tricky projects. Colleagues recall his willingness to stay late, his knack for solving problems on the fly, and the easy laugh he shared over a coffee break. Those traits helped him earn not just repeat business but a tight‑knit network of friends in the trade.
Outside the toolbox, DJ was an outdoor enthusiast. He spent weekends hunting deer, casting lines on local streams, and tearing up back‑country trails on his ATV. Those outings were more than hobbies; they were his way of recharging and connecting with the land he helped shape with his own two hands.
Family, Friends, and Memorial
Family was the center of DJ’s world. He shared a home with his longtime companion, Jessica Baker, and together they raised two children, Sophia and Silas, while also welcoming Jessica’s daughter Riley into the fold. His sisters—Tabitha, Aurora, and Morgan—along with brothers Justin and Hunter, frequently gathered for barbecues, birthday celebrations, and the occasional fishing trip.
Extended family stretched across both sides of his lineage: grandparents, aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews all counted DJ as a constant source of joy and support. Even his dog, Ozzy, earned a place on the guest list for any family outing, often trotting alongside his owner on ATV rides.
The community’s loss was palpable. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, friends and relatives filled William G. Neal Funeral Home in Washington, where a service ran from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Speakers shared stories that ranged from DJ’s legendary carpentry feats to his uncanny ability to crack a joke at the perfect moment. After the service, a wake at Jose’s restaurant let everyone break bread together, swapping memories over plates of comfort food.
In place of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, underscoring the need to keep conversations about mental health open and supportive. Those who knew DJ say his sudden passing is a stark reminder that even the strongest among us can be fighting silent battles.
As the days go by, DJ’s friends plan to honor his legacy by continuing the projects he started, visiting the spots he loved, and keeping his spirit alive through stories that will be told for years to come.