Born February 21, 1929 in Bells, TN to Frances and Zachariah Thompson, he grew up in Selmer, TN and graduated from Selmer High School in 1947.
Jim was a member of the U.S. Army ROTC and served in the Army Corps of Engineers and was stationed in Eta Jima, Japan during the Korean Conflict. Following his service, he completed his Bachelor of Engineering degree in 1953 from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity.
In 1962, Jim joined Allen & Hoshall as a civil and sanitary engineer, retiring as an associate of the company in the mid-90s after leading many water and sewage treatment projects throughout the Mid-South. He continued to do consulting work for Bank Tennessee until he was in his 80s. He served as the Chairman of the Collierville Planning Commission for 25 years, past president and member of the Collierville Rotary Club and was a faithful member of the Collierville Coffee Club. A life-long Baptist, he attended Collierville First Baptist Church and taught Sunday School to high school students.
Jim married Jo Coats in May of 1965 and they moved to Collierville from Memphis in 1967. In 1966, they welcomed their daughter Carolyn, and in 1970, their son James, Jr. He is survived by his wife and children, as well as by his grandchildren Edwin and Caroline Thompson. Jim shared his love of UT football with his whole family and was one of the Vols’ biggest fans.
Services will be held at Collierville First United Methodist Church Sanctuary on the Square at 10am on Saturday September 3; visitation and a reception will be held at the Alice Cartwright Chapel in Magnolia Cemetery following interment.
The family would like to express deep gratitude to Nina Crawford, Aaliyah Tate, Shondra Crawford, Amber McCulley, Barbara Pool, Lavon Fossett, Jonathan English, MD, the staff of Crossroads Hospice, and the staff of Hearthside Senior Living for their gentle care.
In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to Collierville Food Pantry or Memphis Union Mission.
