James Leo Thompson

James Leo Thompson, Sr. 84, died Saturday, January 10, 2009 at his home in Wilmington, North Carolina. Mr. Thompson was born and raised in Staten Island, New York. In his youth he trained and became a champion diver, performing at various pools in Staten Island. In addition he played baseball with the Travelers Team. After graduating from St. Peters High School, he went to Manhattan College for one year before enlisting in the Navy. He served until the end of WWII in the Seabees, his duty including both the European and Pacific arenas. Jim worked for over 40 years in the petroleum industry, managing terminals for Hess Oil in New Jersey and as East Coast District Manager for Apex Oil Company in Baltimore, MD until his retirement in 1989. While living in Baltimore his great love was sailing his boat on the Chesapeake Bay. After retiring to Wilmington, NC Jim was able to pursue his interest in golf which he so enjoyed playing. Some of his best hours on the golf course were when he could play with his son Jim, his grandsons Nate, Zach and Chris, his grandson-in-law Jamie and Jim's good friend Donald Shaw. He loved to spend time at ""his"" beach in Wrightsville, and he also enjoyed taking care of his lawn, reading, watching sports, and particularly breakfasting with his wife Vicki as they watched the birds from their sunroom. Jim's surviving family include his wife Vicki, his son Jim Thompson Roxanne of Wilmington, and his daughters Eileen Kuehn Frank of Easton, Md., Sally Fortman Mark of Crofton, MD and Amy Lundberg Dave of Owings Mills, MD and his former wife and their mother Marion Thompson of Annapolis, his stepdaughter Lisa Cuevas Ray of San Diego, CA. ""Pop"" will be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Erin, Nathan, Lauren and Zachary of Wilmington, Michael, Matt, Chris, Kyle, Mariah, Megan and Joshua of Maryland and his great-grandson Luke of Wilmington and Jordan, Victoria and Gregory of San Diego. In addition he is also survived by his sister Mary Romanelli Charlie of Staten Island, sister-in-law Shanda Mahurin Randy of Spring Hill and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. A time of visitation for family and friends will be from 6 to 8 pm Tuesday at Andrews Mortuary Valley Chapel, 4108 S. College Rd., Wilmington. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 am Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at St. Therese Catholic Church, Wrightsville Beach.