By Cathy Miller

In her quest to find this week’s Persons of the Week, Cathy Miller visited one of Warren County’s favorite eateries, the Key City Diner in Phillipsburg.

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Picture a busy diner at meal time, hoping to find a couple folks who might want to talk whilst enjoying a luscious lunch together, could be a challenge – well, hats off to Janice and Donald Thompson, who graciously shared their time and a few memories.

The big question: When you were a little child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

Janice attended elementary school in Warren County, as well as Warren Hills High School. She noted, “We have great teachers here in Warren County,” saying she always wanted to be a teacher. She went on to attend Warren County Community College, County College of Morris, and Centenary University. Her vocation led her to a  position with Good Shepherd Christian Academy in Washington, teaching second grade, kindergarten, and first grade for many years. Currently she’s a para-professional at Warren Hills High School, providing direct support for special needs students.

Her husband Donald explained he comes from a broken family and, as a result, was determined to have a very close-knit family of his own. He attended Warren County Technical School and studied woodworking. He very much enjoys building cabinetry and has done a lot of work on the various houses he and Janice have called home. She did warn him if they ever move again, he can’t even pick up a hammer – it takes a lot of time from the family. Donald grew up wanting to work with people, and is currently employed at Wood Heat in Easton selling fireplaces and alternative heat sources.

Residents of Harmony, Donald and Janice are best friends, married for 34 years, who like to attend church, go hiking and spend time together. They have three wonderful children, and two grandchildren, all of whom live within driving distance.

One of Donald’s favorite past-times is fishing, especially where it’s peaceful and quiet. He’s got a few favorite spots, in and out of Warren County, but did not divulge their locations!

Janice shared a story about a fish, an eyeball, and a hook and exclaimed she doesn’t enjoy fishing at all. She laughed and said she really likes to organize things.

Donald said happily, “We live a simple life, and love each other to death!”