Jimmie Thompson was born on April 19, 1936, in Watertown, Tennessee, to Malcolm Thompson and Reba Gentry. Jimmie grew up on a farm in Lebanon, Tennessee with his brother Louis and his sisters Bettye and Louise. On his eighteenth birthday Jimmie chose to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He spent 22 years in the military specializing in computer programing and retired as a Captain. Jimmie received his Masters in Religious Sciences from Chaminade University. Jimmie loved working with horses and spent a lot of his time volunteering on Camp Pendleton Military Base at the Stepp Stables and as the rodeo announcer at the Col. A.C. (Ace) Bowen Rodeo Grounds with the high school rodeo program. He also spent many years as a coach to the junior bowlers on Camp Pendleton and he volunteered with his wife, Shirley, at the Oceanside Police Department. For over 10 years, he has been a part of the Pilgrim Creek Retirement Community and spent some time as board President where he made many great friends. Though he had a very accomplished military career and volunteered with many different organizations, his greatest accomplishments were being a loving husband, father, and an awesome grandfather.
Jimmie passed away on February 9, 2019, in Oceanside, California. He went peacefully and was surrounded by his family.
He is survived by his children, Brenda, Jalynn, and Michael; his grandchildren, Richard, Steven, Scott, Shelby, Morgan, and Jennifer; his great-grandchildren, Krysten, James, Leilani, and Savannah; his siblings; and many more family members, and friends.
A viewing will be held on Thursday, February 21, 2019, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm, at Eternal Hills Mortuary Chapel, in Oceanside.
A celebration of Jimmie’s life will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019, at 10am, at Eternal Hill Mortuary Chapel followed by a committal service with full military honors.
