Lt. General James Edward Thompson, Jr.

General James Edward Thompson Jr., United States Army (Retired), 81, of Saint Simons Island, Georgia entered peacefully into eternal rest on Thursday, June 8, 2017 in Brunswick, Georgia with his family by his side.

General Thompson was born October 13, 1935 in Durham, North Carolina the son of the late James Edward Thompson Sr. and the late Elizabeth Hicks Thompson. He spent his childhood years in the Brunswick, Georgia area. Gen. Thompson was the devoted husband to Patricia Cofer Thompson of St. Simons Island, and a devoted father of two children, daughter Tara and son James. Gen. Thompson was a graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education and played football on a four year athletic scholarship. During his four years at the University of Florida he completed the Reserved Officers’ Training Corps program and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry in the United States Army.

General Thompson was a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran seeing significant combat time as an Army Aviator. His military command assignments included the 162nd Aviation Company (Assault Helicopter) in Vietnam. The 1st Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, and The 3d Brigade Commander of the 101st Airborne Division.

In 1983 General Thompson served as the Division Commander of the “famed” 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Additionally, he served as Commander at the United States Army War College in Carlisle, PA., and as Commander of the 1st United States Army, Fort Mead, Maryland.

General Thompson’s military service education included the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Infantry Officer Advanced Course, Air Command and Staff College, and United States Army War College. General Thompson furthered his education while serving in the United States Army and attended Auburn University where he received his Master of Arts Degree in Political Science.

General Thompson’s military awards and decorations included: The Vietnam Service Medal (5 stars), Defense Superior Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross (with two oak leaf clusters), Soldier’s Medal, Bronze Star (with two oak leaf clusters), Purple Heart, Air Medals (multiple awards), and The Army Commendation medal (with “V” device for valor and oak leaf cluster).

General Thompson’s military qualification badges include; Master Army Aviation Badge, Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge.

General Thompson served his country with honor, distinction and valor rising quickly through the officer ranks. He was highly decorated for his courageous service and retired after thirty-four years of military service at the rank of Lieutenant General in 1991.

After military retirement he moved his family to Saint Simons Island, GA where he resided for twenty- five years enjoying the beautiful golf courses and the game he passionately loved. General Thompson was an active member of the Island community becoming a member of Sea Island and the US Military Officers Association. He also enjoyed being a member of the Romeo Club (Retired Old Men Eating Out), meeting each Friday to dine and share fellowship.

General Thompson is preceded in death by his parents, James Edward Thompson Sr. and Elizabeth Hicks Thompson; and brother Bobby Thompson. He is survived by his loving wife of sixty-three years, Patricia Cofer Thompson of Saint Simons Island; his precious daughter, Tara Stephens (Steve) of Brunswick, GA; one son, James Thompson of Jupiter, FL; two wonderful grandsons, Mitch and Trey Stephens both of Brunswick, GA; one brother, Buddy Thompson (Linda Kay) of Hilton Head Island, SC; and one sister-in-law, Mary Lou Thompson, Of Chattanooga, TN.

General Thompson loved to spend time with his family and friends and was an avid University of Florida Gator Football fan and literary reader. He was known for his remarkable sense of humor and enjoyed working at his beautiful home in the yard. General Thompson will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him and his family and friends will have many fond memories to cherish for years to come.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 13th of June 2017 in the Patriot Room of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home, 3321 Glynn Ave., in Brunswick.

A funeral service to honor his life will be conducted on Wednesday, the 14th of June 2017, at one o’ clock in the afternoon at Christ Church Frederica, 6329 Frederica Rd., and St. Simons Island, where Father Tom Purdy is to officiate. Burial will follow the service with full military honors at Christ Church Frederica Cemetery.

In lieu of customary remembrances, the family request with gratitude that memorial contributions in his memory be directed to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525 or the Veterans Association of America, Inc, P.O. Box 309 Audubon Station, New York, New York 10032-0309, or Humane Society of South Coastal Georgia, 4627 US-17, Brunswick, GA 31525.

Arrangements are entrusted into the care of Edo Miller and sons Funeral Home www.edomillerandsons.com