James E. "Jim" Thompson

The son of Freddie and Ethel Johnson Thompson, Jim grew up in Greenup County, Kentucky. He attended Wurtland High School graduating with the class of 1961. Jim married the former Judy Gayle Jessee on November 23, 1963, in Plummers Landing, Kentucky. Together they moved to the Connersville area in 1964, where Jim began his employment at Ford Motor Company. He worked his way through the ranks becoming the production foreman prior to his retirement in 1992 after many years of service. Jim was a simple man that never complained. He enjoyed spending his leisure time outdoors. He was an avid fisherman, mushroom hunter, and gardener. At one time Jim had 8 gardens he meticulously tended to. In addition, he loved to cook. When the gardens were ready to harvest, he would make cakes, and pies and share the bounty with everyone he knew. Sharing was a key trait in Jim’s personality. As a member of the Western Avenue Baptist Church, he wanted to share the Lord’s work with everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends, but they know if they could ask him how he’s doing now, he would respond “better than I have been”.

In addition to his loving wife of sixty-years Judy, Jim is survived by his children: Lisa (Rick) Brown, Rodney (Mindy) Thompson, Stephanie (Aaron) McCann; grandchildren: Mitchell (Laura) Brown, Tucker (Meghan) Brown, Connor (Amanda) Brown, Cooper McCann, Clayton Thompson, Grace McCann, great-grandchildren: Chloe Brown, Mara Brown, and one due in September, Charlotte Brown; brothers: Jackie Thompson, Wilbur (Anita) Thompson, Virgil (Karen) Thompson, Sherman (Roma) Thompson; sister and brother- in- laws: Carol Thompson, Charlotte (Marvin) Stidam, Sara (Phil) Burris, Mary Lou (James) Sparks, Brenda Jessee, Jamie (Dan) Whitkemper, Gary Williams, Harry (Betsy) Jessee, Garry Jessee; a plethora of nieces, nephews and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents: Freddie and Ethel; brothers: Freddie, George, Robert, Glennis, Gary; sister: Katherine; sister-in-law: Janet Williams.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Reid Hospice for the care and compassion Jim received.

A funeral service will be conducted at 4:00p.m., Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Myers Chapel, Connersville with Pastor Jeremiah Burdon officiating. Burial will follow at Valley Grove Cemetery. Friends may visit from 1:00p.m., until the time of service. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Reid Hospice or The Community Foundation- DNR Fund Jim’s honor.