James Otto Thompson Jr.

James O. (Jimmy) Thompson, 92, passed away on February 25, 2013, in Irving, Texas. He was born December 18, 1920 in Dallas, Texas to James O. and Tommie Thompson. Jimmie started his business career in Dallas as a printing salesman when he met his beloved future wife Frances on one of his calls. Jimmy and Fran started their own printing supply business, B&T Grinding and Supply Company, in Dallas in the late 1950’s which continued operating for over 25 years. During this period Jimmy became highly active in a number of community and national organizations which continued until his death. His lifelong friend Bill Melton described it:

Jimmy Thompson became a Member of Lions Clubs International over 40 years ago.

He was a Member of the Irving Noon Lions Club, Founding President of the Irving

Evening Lions Club, Past President of the Dallas Central Lions Club and former Member of the Grand Prairie Evening Lions Club.Lion Thompson was a Founding Member of the Lions Clubs International Pin Traders Association and one of the first five Lions inducted into the Lions Pin Traders Hall of Fame. He served local Lions as District Pin Chairman for over 20 years and created many pins that Lions wear or trade around the World. He and his late wife Fran attended 25 Lions International Conventions around the World, when his health was still good. He and Fran were both Melvin Jones Fellows, in support of the global work of Lions International. For 12 years he was a Member of the Board of Directors of the Julien C. Hyer Lions Youth Camp, which hosts young people from around the World each summer. Following his service on the Board, he continued his support of the Camp and it is estimated that he has contributed some $300,000 to the Camp during the past years. Thompson was also active in the Texas Lions Camp for over 20 years, supporting the needs of crippled, autistic, hearing impaired and other infirmed youth of Texas. He gave approximately $100,000 to the Camp, located at Kerrville. Jim and Fran were also big supporters of Dallas' Scottish Rite Hospital for children. He started an Annual Meeting of the Irving Noon Lions at Scottish Rite and also lent his financial support at approximately $300,000. The Thompson's photograph hangs in the halls of Scottish Rite. Lion Thompson was Honored time and again for his contributions to his community – Lion of the Year several times by the Grand Prairie Evening and Dallas Central Lions Clubs; numerous special events in the Thompson's Honor by Scottish Rite; special Tribute by Julien C. Hyer Board of Directors; three Lions International Certificates of Appreciation; Lions International Presidents Award and Life Membership in Lions Club International.

Jimmy is preceded in death by his loving wife Frances of 68 years. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Jimmy was one of a kind, and we are grateful for his benevolence. Family will receive friends for visitation on Wednesday evening, Feb. 27, 2013, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Grove Hill Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held at Grove Hill Funeral Home, Thursday, February 28, 2013 at 3:00 PM. Interment to follow at Grove Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, 2222 Wellborn St. Dallas, TX 75219