James Lawrence Thompson

Jim was born January 9th, 1934, in Wagoner, Oklahoma, to parents Lawrence and Mae Thompson.

Jim graduated from high school in 1954 in Wagoner, Oklahoma. He was a standout football player and continued that passion at Northeastern A & M College in Miami, Oklahoma.

Success continued there as his team went undefeated and earned a trip to the Jr. Rose Bowl in Pasadena California. They won there as well, and Jim scored a touchdown in the game as well.

During his time at Northeastern he met the love of his life, Shirley Mayo, and they married on August 15th, 1954.

After college Jim and Shirley lived in and around northeast Oklahoma, where Jim started his career as a teacher and football coach. Opportunity soon appeared, and the young family moved to Chula Vista, California in 1964. They now had two children. Jim worked as a teacher and coach at Mar Vista High School in Imperial Beach, and Shirley as an administrative aide in the school district.

Jim found an even better opportunity by moving to Hilltop High School in Chula Vista, where he became Head Coach and Athletic Director.

During this time, Jim also worked as a scout for the San Diego Chargers.

Both Jim and Shirley retired in the early 90’s, and spent the bulk of their retirement traveling and camping with friends and family. They traveled extensively throughout the US as well as Europe.

They were very active in their church, serving on various boards and ministries.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years Shirley, as well as their second son, Kent Thompson. Jim is survived by their first son Keith Thompson, his wife Kim, along with three grandchildren, Mandy, Laura, Annette, and 6 great-grandchildren.

The family is deeply appreciative of the team at Calstro Hospice Care and Summer House at Fredericka Manor.

Their care for Jim and the family was exemplary.

A viewing will be held for Jim on March 11th, 2026, at 12:30 PM. A graveside memorial service will directly follow at 1 PM, at Glen Abbey Memorial Park in Bonita.

Jim lived a long, full, and complete life, with many close friends and family ties. He will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.