James Kenneth Thompson

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Heidii, stepchildren Michael (Kenzie) and Mekenna, his granddaughter Mallorie, dogs Sammy and Penny, mother Marge, siblings Anne, Patrick (Michelle) and Katie (Scott), nephews Logan and Jack, and niece Lena. He is also remembered by many other beloved family members and loyal friends. His father, Kenneth Thompson, precedes Jim in death.

Jim attended Kent State University in Ohio studying art and graphic design. Eventually, he decided that life and travel would provide his education. He moved to California in 2001 and worked as a sales professional for several corporations for most of his primary earning years. After moving to Utah in 2017, he decided to make a career change and pursue employment in his personal passion areas of snow skiing and mountain biking, working for Solitude Mountain in Big Cottonwood Canyon of the Wasatch Mountains in Solitude, UT and Jenson USA in Riverside, CA.

Jim and Heidii met in California in 2005 and were married in front of family and friends at the Palazzo Resort in Las Vegas, NV in May 2011. Heidii describes Jim as being a “tough nut to crack”, but once you understood his snarky personality, you were rewarded with the friendship of a caring, generous, intelligent and adventure seeking man. Jim and Heidii first lived together in Lake Forest, CA. They surprised family and friends when they purchased a home in 2017 and moved to South Jordan, UT where they made many new friends. In 2022 they returned to Southern California to set down roots near family and friends.

A lover of life and knowledge, Jim was an avid reader and life-long learner. Jim’s intelligence could be both a blessing and a curse. He could talk to anyone about anything and knew something about almost any topic. Upon first meeting Jim, some may have seen him as a know-it-all, but what became apparent as you got to know him, was his genuine eagerness to share his knowledge with others. He was generous friend, always willing to provide a helping hand, share a kind word or say the right thing to lift your spirits and let you know he cared about you. He was always ready to celebrate good times, but also there to provide support during difficult times. Jim was a loving and dependable son, thoughtful brother, proud uncle, caring husband, involved stepfather, doting grandfather, and smitten dog dad. He often boasted about Heidii’s accomplishments (as well as other family members) and was her biggest champion. He took great pleasure in snow skiing, mountain biking, golfing, cooking, traveling, reading, learning, spending time with loved ones, and watching Ohio State football. Jim was authentically himself, passionate about his beliefs and opinionated, especially regarding politics and socioeconomics. He was just entering his “grumpy old man” phase and could be heard yelling at cars in the neighborhood to “Slow Down!”

Jim left us too soon and is leaving a big hole in our hearts. He would want us to remember the good times with him and carry on by making the most of our time on this earth, loving each other and laughing. He touched the lives of so many and will be deeply missed.