James Edward Thompson

James Edward Thompson, 85, was born to George and Estelle (Moeller) Thompson on September 21, 1930 in St. Louis, MO. He died August 19, 2016. In 1948 he graduated from Menasha High School, Menasha, WI. He then qualified for the Coast Guard Academy in New London, CT, and graduated in 1952. He was stationed aboard ships much of his 20 years in the service. He particularly liked the CGC Salvia, stationed out of Mobile, AL, were he was the Commanding Officer of the ship. Just before coming to Oklahoma to serve as Executive Officer at the Coast Guard Institute, he was the Sandy Hook Group Commander in NJ, keeping close watch over the south Jersey lighthouses. In 1954 he married Marion Brown in Seattle, WA and they immediately moved to Alaska . During his service with the CG they lived many other places, mainly on the east coast. Jim attended OCU (at night) and earned his MBA, graduating with honors. After taking additional accounting classes he completed the CPA exam with flying colors, passing all sections the first time and with the highest scores. Upon retiring from the CG, he worked for OKDHS for twenty years, as a comptroller. Retirement finally made more time for fishing, playing golf and reading. He loved his family. He had a sarcastic wit that he was known for. For about 20 years after retirement, he prepared income taxes through the AARP at no charge for those who needed help. As a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and a very active member at the former Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, he served as a reader, usher, communion assistant, yard worker and kitchen helper. He is survived by his wife, Marion; son, Kenneth Thompson (Kathy); daughters, Susan Fibus (Steve), Nancy Thompson and Sandra Ward; grandchildren, Sarah Ward Wilkinson (Jason), David Fibus, Daniel Fibus, Kyle Ward and Nick Thompson; sister Bessie Hutchins, San Jose, CA; brother Tom Thompson (Arlene), Camarillo, CA; many nieces and nephews. Grateful thanks to Integris Hospice and Senior Care Services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to St. Paul's Lutheran Church.

Arrangements under the direction of Chapel Hill Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, OK.