James Doulphus Thompson

It is with a sad heart that we share with you about the death of James D. (J.D.) Thompson, age 90, on July 13, 2026. JD was born at home in Woodruff County, Arkansas on February 6, 1936. His parents were Virgie and Clint D. Thompson. JD attended a one room schoolhouse in McCrory, Arkansas. He later joined the National Guard and was sent to Aberdeen Maryland, where he learned to weld. JD received an honorable discharge from the National Guard. JD worked as a welder for many companies over the years, including AFCO Steel. In 1977, he continued his welding career with Orbit Valve and worked there for 39 years until his retirement in July 2015 at the age of 79.

One of the things that JD was proudest of and in which he helped many people. was his sobriety through Alcoholics Anonymous. At the time of his death, JD had been sober for over 49 and a half years and had carried the message of hope through sobriety in AA to many men.

Another thing that JD was proudest of was his marriage to his wife, Mary Pearl. At the time of his death JD and Mary Pearl had been together for 61 years and married for 56 and a half years. JD and Mary Pearl were long time residents of Rose City in North Little Rock. JD loved repairing and welding bikes and giving them away for free to kids even before it was the thing to do.

JD is survived by his wife Mary Pearl and his beloved dog Zelda Rose of the home. JD is also survived by his brother Roger D. Thompson of Indiana.

For members of Alcoholics Anonymous only, please make any donation that you would like to your local AA group or AA Central Office. Non-AA members can make memorials in JD’s name to recyclebikesforkids.org or you can just feed a bird and appreciate nature like JD always loved to do.

A celebration of life will be planned for a later date.