SHAFTSBURY -- Mr. John E. Thompson III, 29, a resident of Birch Hill Road, Shaftsbury, died unexpectedly Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2006, at the Brattleboro Memorial Hospital in Brattleboro.He was born in Bennington, on Feb. 5, 1977. He is the son of John E. Thompson Jr. and Sue (Umfleet) Thompson. He received his education in Bennington and was a 1995 graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School.In 1996, John joined with his father, John Thompson Jr., in the operation of Thompson’s Garage in Shaftsbury.John enjoyed four wheeling, traveling and reading. He was very inquisitive. He liked to ask questions and try to figure out how things worked. He loved his dogs, Gus and Odie.Survivors include his parents, John and Sue Thompson, of Bennington; a sister, Kandi E. Thompson, of North Bennington; his longtime girlfriend, Daphne Van Schaick, of Shaftsbury; a cousin who was like a brother, Daniel Thompson, of Hoosick Falls, N.Y.; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. John is also survived by many friends.The funeral will be held at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2006, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Robin Greene officiating.The burial will take place in the family lot in Center Shaftsbury Cemetery. A celebration of John’s life will continue at John’s home on Birch Hill Road following the service.Friends may call at the Mahar & Son Funeral Home on Friday, Aug. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.If friends desire, contributions in memory of John E. Thompson III may be made to the Second Chance Animal Shelter through the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main St., Bennington, VT, 05201.