James E. Thompson Jr.

Was born on July 22, 1953, in Jackson, Michigan, to James Thompson Sr. and Rosie Lee Garner. From a young age, James displayed remarkable intelligence, leadership, and determination to succeed. During high school, he held a vital role on the Jackson High basketball team, graduated third in his class, and earned a scholarship to Michigan State University.

At the age of seventeen, James gave his life to Christ on the playground basketball court. Under the pastorate of Frank Hampton Jr., James became a faithful evangelist and Bible scholar, sharing the Word of God with many throughout the community. He was known for his holy boldness and played a significant role in the growth of the Church of God congregation during the 1970s and 1980s.

On November 15, 1975, James was united in holy matrimony to Dorothy Lang of Chicago, Illinois. From this union, four daughters were born: Dorethea, Jamiesha, Tiphanie, and LaTasha. In later years, James was also blessed with an adopted daughter, La’Sasha. He was a devoted husband and family man, always making time for his wife and daughters.

Those who knew James will remember his warm smile, infectious personality, and gift for conversation. His friendly, bubbly spirit, uplifting words, and genuine care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Besides family and friends, he loved God, deep conversations, his Detroit football/baseball teams, and good food.

James was known for his strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit. He worked at Michner Plating, sold vacuum cleaners, and prepared tax returns for community members. In 1988, James and Dorothy divorced, and in 2006, they remarried.

Despite setbacks, he went on to establish Jetco Painting & Construction, a successful business through which he helped many individuals in the Jackson community. James often extended opportunities to those who needed a second chance, just as he had once needed.

On December 3, 2014, James’ life took a dramatic turn when he suffered an aneurysm stroke. After emerging from a two-week coma, he renewed his commitment to Christ and faced the years that followed with remarkable perseverance and faith. Despite the inability to walk and speaking limitations, James continued to find ways to communicate and connect with others.

Through every season of his life, James demonstrated resilience, faith, and determination. On July 27, 2026, God called him home, and James finished his course, kept the faith, and entered into eternal rest.

James was preceded in death by his parents, James Thompson Jr. and Rosie Lee Garner; his brother, Henry Thompson; his sister, Rita Robinson; and his beloved daughter, Dorethea Thompson.

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Dorothy Thompson; loving daughters, Jamiesha Thompson, Tiphanie (Michael) Thompson-Dillon, and LaTasha Thompson; cherished grandson, Najee Thompson; aunts Ollie Knight, Mamie Lou Straham, Charlie Stamps, and Uncle Bennie (London) Thompson; adopted daughter, La’Sasha Thompson, special friend Charles Williams; beloved brother-in-law, Christopher Lang, along with a host of extended family members, church family, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his love, faith, and generosity.

Celebration of Life Services

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 7, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at The Church of God, 140 W. South Street, Jackson, Michigan 49203.

The Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of God, with Pastor Lee Hampton officiating. Interment will immediately follow at The Roseland Memorial Gardens Cemetery.