James A. Thompson

James A. Thompson Jr., age 93 a native of Johnstown, the son of James and Mattie Thompson and a longtime resident of Gahanna, died Sunday November 2, 2014 at Mt. Carmel East Hospital. Jim was the last surviving member of his New Albany High School Class, 1938. Jim retired from North American Rockwell in 1972 and from the City of Gahanna in 1982.

Chief Petty Officer Jim served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1942 through 1945. Jim was a Machinist Mate aboard a variety of patrol craft and sub chasers until he reported aboard the U.S.S. Mosley, DE-321, an Edsall Class Destroyer Escort. While Jim was on the Mosely, it escorted four convoys from the U.S. to the Mediterranean.

After a few years in civilian life, Jim enlisted in the Navy Reserves in 1948 and was called to active duty in September of 1950. Jim received his berth as Machinist Mate CPO aboard the U.S.S. Suisun AVP-53. The Suisun was a seaplane tender that served in the Korean War while Jim was aboard. Planes from the Suisun flew search and reconnaissance air patrols from Formosa to the Korean Straits and the China Sea as far north as the North Korean – Manchurian border he Suisun also participated in air and sea rescues of planes that could not make it back to Okinawa. Jim served until 1952 when he was separated from active duty in the Navy. He received his discharge in 1964 from the Navy Reserves.

He is enlisted to wear the American Area Campaign Medal with 1 star, European-African-Middle Eastern Area Campaign Medal with 1 star, World War II Victory Ribbon and the Coast Guard Good Conduct Medal. Twice he was nominated for the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame. In 1949 Jim joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Tri-Community Memorial Post 4719. He became a “Life-Member” in 1964 and is presently the oldest living member. He has held every elected office in the post. In 1969 he was elected Chaplain and held that office until 2011 resigning only for health reasons. He is currently “Chaplain Emeritus” for the Post.

Jim has participated in the Color Guard, Honor Guard, Firing Squad, and the Funeral Detail. During his tenure as Chaplain, he has participated in every Memorial Day Ceremony, offering the prayer for the Post at the following: Riverside Cemetery on Sunbury Road, Maplewood Cemetery in New Albany, Jefferson Cemetery in Blacklick, Mifflin Cemetery in Gahanna and Gahanna Bridge Ceremony at Big Walnut Creek. Jim was instrumental in getting the secretary of Defense, United States of America, to name VFW Post 4719 an “Official Honor Guard” for the United States.

From July 1, 1964 to June 30, 1965, Jim was selected “All State Commander” for the 11th District of Ohio. Jim is a 50 year plus member of the following: Free and Accepted Masons, 32nd Degree, Linden Lodge No. 637, Columbus valley of Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite, Aladdin Temple of Columbus, Ancient Arabic Nobles of the Mystic Shrine and the Gahanna Shrine Club. Jim was on the Charter Commission that formed the Club on May 11, 1965 and is a Past President. Jim attended Peace Lutheran Church, he attended Havens Corners Church and was a past member of the Gahanna Lions Club, while holding membership at the Gahanna American Legion Post No 797. As a member of VFW Post 4719 “Color Guard”, for over 40 years, Jim helped raise and lower the American Flag at all home football games for Gahanna Lincoln High School.

On July 3, 2008 Jim was honored by the Gahanna Lions Club as “Co-Grand Marshall” of the annual Gahanna Fourth of July Parade. And on November 4, 2010, Gahanna Mayor Becky Stinchcomb issued a Proclamation honoring his 90th birthday as “James A. Thompson Day”. She cited his military service in WW II, Korean War and for his dedication and activities to VFW Post 4719.

Jim is preceded in death by his wife Lela Miller Thompson, grandson Jeffrey Baugh; son-in-law Gene Baugh, brothers: Lawrence, Raymond and Howard, sister Martha. Jim was most proud of his children, even though they were not biologically his, he raised them as his own: son and daughter-in-law Bill and Connie Hendren of Lancaster, daughter Aloha Baugh of Gahanna; grandchildren: Robbin (Natalie Kehres) Hendren and Lela Marie Creighton; great grandchildren: Courtney (Terrell) Thomas, Jarrod Baugh, Zachary Baugh, LeAnne Baugh, Christopher (fiancé Kelly) Creighton, Joshua Creighton; 3 Great great grandchildren, nieces Madelyn “Marty” (David) Antrim and Carol (Charles) Ciola, and their families; nephew Larry Thompson and family in California; as well as long time friend and companion LaVonne Dull and her family.

The family will receive friends 2-4 and 6-8pm Thursday at the Schoedinger Northeast Chapel 1051 East Johnstown Road at Beecher Road, Gahanna. Funeral Service 1:30pm Friday November 7, 2014 at Peace Lutheran Church 455 Clark State Rd Gahanna, with Pastor Dwight Hedrick and Pastor Glen Allison officiating. Interment with Military Honors by VFW Post 4719 and American Legion Post 797 at Green Hill Cemetery in Johnstown. Contributions may be made to the Memorial fund of VFW Post 4719, 79 Parkland Dr., Gahanna OH 43230 in his memory.