Thompson Celebrates 50 Years at PORTS
Article Presented By Herlihy Moving & Storage…
(Piketon) – Southern Ohio Cleanup Company Technical Writer Joy Thompson recently celebrated her golden anniversary at the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant. Her career began 50 years ago as an apprentice in Instrument Maintenance, and she has been a technical writer for the past three decades.
On December 8th, 2025, her colleagues commemorated the occasion with a majestic crystal award, refreshments, and a shirt playfully emblazoned with “Just Hired, 50 Years Ago.”
Thompson praised the plant’s supportive, family-like culture. “I am very happy to have worked here because it has been an excellent job and the people I have worked with are great.”
She described her work as detail-oriented and time-consuming. “I enjoy being able to put something out that will benefit the group, not just a person,” Thompson said. “I’ve learned that you’d better enjoy what you’re doing or find something else.”
Thompson’s work history includes eight years as an instrument technician, experience in electronic maintenance, eight years as a foreman, and 33 years as a technical writer.
She said the hardest job she had had in 50 years was trying to use a jackhammer in the X-705. “I could not do it. There were only three people in the whole instrument department who could—so I don’t feel too bad,” she said.
Performance Documents Manager Jack Stinson has been Thompson’s co-worker and manager.
“Joy brings a ton of valuable plant site experience to our group and is always willing to help others. She is a great example for the other tech writers,” Stinson said.
Of course, Thompson’s talent and eye for detail also emerge in her life outside of work, as evidenced by her enthusiasm for quilting and solving jigsaw puzzles.
In addition to her work and hobbies, Thompson lends expertise to the annual Employee Giving Campaign and the Christmas Gifts for Children program at the Portsmouth Site.
