James D. “Don” Thompson, 85, passed away peacefully Saturday, May 4, 2019 surrounded by family. He attended Flaget High School and was a member of the U.S. Army. Don retired from L&N as an accountant clerk after 25 years when L&N moved to Jacksonville, FL. He was known as “Twiddle” and “Chief” due to his avid knack in woodworking; making, carving, and engraving muzzle loading rifles and pistols; and his interest in buckskinning. Don was an expert in raising discus fish, raising bonsais, tying fly fishing lures, and making muzzle loaded guns. He was once called upon by a museum to repair one of Daniel Boone’s guns. Don was well known in the buckskinning community after making a living selling over 250 rifles. Don had lifelong friends, “his gang”, that dated back to grade school. They remain close to the day of each one’s passing. Don loved to be surrounded by his friends and family especially his grandchildren. Don was an active member of the Parrish House. During his tenure there, he helped host many events for the soldiers attending Ft. Knox Training Camps.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores M. Thompson; parents, Thomas E. and Mary O. Thompson; and brother, Richard Thompson.
Left to cherish his memory are his siblings Gerald (Mary Ann), Joanne (Mo) Morretti, daughters, Lynne Olson (Bob), Leanne Exely (Bruce), Lisa Elmore (Mike); grandchildren, Jacob Exely (Candice), Melissa Zeller (Sam), Amy Exely, Carley Olson, Layne, Eve, and Hope Elmore.
The funeral service will be held Friday, May 10, 2019 at 10:00 am at Evergreen Funeral Home Dignity Chapel. Visitation will be Thursday from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm and Friday from 9:00 am until time of service at the funeral home.
Please visit www.evergreen-louisville.com to share your memories of James with the family.
