THOMPSON, James Oliver

The Arizona Republic, Phoenix, Arizona Sunday, April 13, 2003 James Oliver Thompson, husband of Thea Thompson, who - preceded him in death last August, father to Tricia, Mark and Christopher, Opa to Corinne, Ryan, Bjorn, Cassandra, Andy and Christina, great grandfather to Arianna, Lena, Madeleine, Isabella and another baby due the 31st of October, brother of Thomas, Robert and Richard, son of Hope Heckel and Thomas Thompson, deceased, passed away on the 5th of April at his daughter's home. Jim's journey began on the 11th of November 1935 in Butler, Pennsylvania at the family home. The youngest of four sons, Jim joined his older brothers in the military after graduating from high school. Stationed in Germany, he met the love of his life, Thea Kendl in 1955. Married in Germany, they traveled to Chicago where Jim's brother was attending the Art Institute of Chicago. He said "Come to Chicago, it's a great city". Driving along Lake Shore Drive, with the city of Chicago on the left and Lake Michigan of the right, they fell in love with their new hometown. Jim worked as a police officer until retiring to attend Aurora College full time where he received a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice Management in 1979. Jim and Thea moved to Tempe in 1981, soon followed by their oldest son Mark, then Chris and finally Tricia. Jim was employed at America West Airlines until he retired at age 65. His loves were his wife, his family and working with his hands. Jim's favorite verse and his father's favorite hymn was "It is no secret what God can do. What's He's done for others, He'll do for you. With arms wide open, He'll pardon you. It is no secret what God can do". Jim touched the lives of many and a Celebration of Jim's life will be held on the 19th of April at dusk in a personal gathering for family and friends at his daughter's home in Tempe, followed by an Old World style Wake at the German Corner Restaurant in Phoenix. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Jim's honor to Hospice of the Valley, Body Positive or APAZ. Tempe Mortuary handling arrangements. Courtesy of Pat Wilson.
Posted by Sharla on February 04, 2010

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