James Roland Thompson

James R. Thompson, Sr. (J.T) 75, of Surprise, Arizona, departed this life December 7, 2013. A fantastic husband and father, James leaves behind his wife of 54 years, Mable Thompson, four children, James A. Thompson Jr. (Sheryl), Garie L. Thompson (Debra), Linda C. Thompson and Charles P. Thompson, all of Arizona. He also leaves behind five grandchildren, James A. Thompson III, Garie M. Thompson Jr., Fallon D. Thompson, Cynthia D. Thompson and Chelsea Thompson, four great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. A native of Tyler, Texas, he moved his family to Arizona in 1962 where he worked many odd jobs. He was employed by General Electric for several years. From there he was employed by Road Machinery (Komatsu) where he retired after 28 years of service. He was the eleventh of 12 children born to Cleveland and Irene Strode Thompson, whom preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death were two sisters, Inez Hawkins and Maggie Black, both of Tyler, Texas, five brothers, Joe Thompson, Kenny Thompson, Louie Thompson, Masco Thompson and R.C. Thompson. He leaves behind four sisters, Babe Ruth Battee of Tyler, Texas, Izora Hawkins of Los Angeles, California, Armada Brown and Mary Helen James, both of Dallas, Texas. He was a member of Kingdom In the Valley Christian Church in Avondale, Arizona. Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013, at 12:00 P.M. at Surprise Funeral Care, 16063 W. Bell Rd., Surprise, Arizona 85374. Service will be conducted by Rev. John R. Powell, Pastor of Gideon Missionary Baptist Church, Surprise, Arizona. To sign J.T.'s online guest registry, please visit www.surprisefuneralcare.com. Our thanks to you in advance, James' wife and children.