James H. Thomson |
| Posted 2009-11-12 by Sharla |
| Arizona Daily Sun, Flagstaff, Arizona Thursday, November 12, 2009 James H. Thomson, 67, of Flagstaff, died Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009, in Tucson, while attending the Highland Games. Mr. Thomson was born July 4, 1942, in Providence, R.I., to James C. and Margaret Thomson. After graduating from Barrington High School, he joined the U.S. Navy and was a proud member of the submarine service for 24 years. During that time, he earned five Good Conduct Awards, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Commendation Medal, two Navy Achievement Medals and a Sea Service Ribbon. Upon retiring, he worked for both Rockwell and Northrop, before finally opening Thomson & Son Bagpipes. His first love was his family but his passion and the thing that truly made him happy was his love of the bagpipes. He offered free lessons to anyone who was interested and was always available if someone needed help. In 2003, he realized his dream and opened the United States School of Piping. His interests included restoring classic cars, NASCAR, fishing and just hanging out with his grandchildren. He enjoyed sports, particularly hockey and football. He was heavily involved in the community, particularly with the Celtic Society. He was also a Freemason. He touched so many lives and will forever be remembered as someone who put his heart and soul into everything he did. Mr. Thomson is survived by his wife Jan; children Lori Thomson of Flagstaff, Susan (Wayne) Sletten of Flagstaff, and Scott (Jen) Thomson of Flagstaff; sister Margaret (Dan) Hanaway of Colorado Springs, Colo.; three beloved grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be Saturday at 2 p.m., at the Episcopal Church, 423 N. Beaver St., in Flagstaff. Immediately following the memorial service, please join family and friends at The Journey Church, 740 W. University Heights Drive to celebrate Mr. Thomson's life with a Scottish Ceilidh (a time for all to share stories, pictures, music, bagpiping, food and beverages). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Northern Arizona Celtic Heritage Society (NACHS) Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 187, Flagstaff, AZ 86002, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312. |
Note: These obituaries are transcribed as published and are submitted by volunteers who have no connection to the families. They do not write the obituaries and have no further information other than what is posted within the obituaries. We do not do personal research. For this you would have to find a volunteer who does this or hire a professional researcher.
Questions About This Project?