James Thompson

Jim was born in 1929 in West Chester, Pennsylvania where he grew up, graduated from high school and spent the summers working several jobs while trying to find his forever career. He enrolled in West Chester State Teachers College for two years where he excelled in every sport available which proved to be a big asset as he progressed through his military career. He completed his undergraduate degree later while stationed in New Hampshire and at the same time he taught ROTC at the University. At age 65, hi completed his Master’s Degree from Texas A & M University.

From a young age, Jim’s love of flying was nothing short of phenomenal. He learned to fly in the T-6, T-28. And his first jet…T-33, the F-86, and the F-80. Throughout his 30 years of service, he served in Stateside assignments in NV, TX, NH, AL, FL, VA, WA, CA, and MS. His overseas assignments took him to Korea, Germany, Okinawa, Japan, and Vietnam. He flew the F-86 Sabre jet (called “THE HUFF”) during the Korean War in 1952-1953. It was here that he engaged with enemy aircraft and shot down at least three (3) MIG fighter aircraft before the war ended. And although he excelled in all of his assignments, the most extraordinary was his assignment in Vietnam. He was the first pilot to fly 300 missions in a year (it was actually within 10 months) in 1967-1968.

His decorations include the Legion of Merit, four Distinguished Flying Crosses, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, 18 Air Medals, three Korean Service Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, Presidential Unit Citation, four Vietnam Service Medals, two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for Valor, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations Service Medal, German Qualification Badge, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.

After 30 years, Jim retired from active service. But he didn’t actually retire. He still had so much more to give, and with his love of teaching, he joined the Junior ROTC program at Holmes High School here in San Antonio. He continued to share his love of the military by teaching our young students about the exciting and endless opportunities in the Air Force and other branches of the military. During his 15 years of teaching at Holmes, he made such a lasting impression on so many young people for years to come.

Jim was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Everything he did, he did with passion. He had an amazing green thumb and owned a large flourishing greenhouse. He was an avid wine collector and a fabulous grill-master. He was a standout athlete of many sports and passed that love onto his children. He traveled extensively both in his military life, and then afterwards with his wife, Lynn.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Pat and sister-in-law, Irene. Surviving in addition to his wife, Lynn are his sons, James Michael (Donna), Rick (Joy), Dina (Henry), five grandchildren, four great grandchildren. Also surviving are Lynn’s two sisters, three nieces, and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, November 8th at 12:15 pm at the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel. A Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery at 2:15 pm (at shelter #2).

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Col. James Thompson may be given to Arboretum San Antonio; 4226 SE Military Dr.; San Antonio, TX 78222; the San Antonio Food Bank at safoodbank.org or a charity of your choice.