James Thompson

James L. Thompson was born to Vanzil and Gertrude Thompson of Sciotoville, Ohio in the Fall of 1930. His siblings included four brothers, Harold, Howard, Forest and Stanley. They are survived by their baby sister, Shirley Mitchell.

An adventurous childhood found Jim building cabins in the woods and swimming the Ohio River.

Jim served his country in both the Naval Reserves and the Army.

In 1949 he married Theresa Kelly. “Tootsie” and Jim raised their son Michael and daughters Carolyn and Susan in their cozy bungalow on South Kostner Avenue in Chicago where Jim cooked his famous pot roast when Terry worked weekend shifts.

A machinist by trade, Jim was always happy to share his talents with friends and family. Fixing and building whatever needed building and fixing.

James especially enjoyed watching his seven Grandchildren grow to become amazing adults and has been blessed (so far) with 10 Great Grandchildren.

Grandchildren include Matthew (Jennifer) Bara, Dustin (Brandi) Rotunno, Laurel (Chris) Lochner, Allyce (Jon) Hemm, Kirsten (Zach) Peterson, Michael Rotunno, and Lauren Rotunno.

Great Grandchildren include Tyler Rotunno, Troy Rotunno, Braelyn Bara, Bradley Bara, Nolan Lochner, Raegan Hemm, Charlotte Lochner, Theodore Hemm, Holden Lochner, and Avery Peterson.

In his final years, Jim was blessed to find a new family with the men and women of the Illinois Veteran’s Home in LaSalle, Illinois, where he was provided loving care while suffering the effects of Alzheimer’s.

In honor of these amazing caregivers his family asks that you make a donation to the Veteran’s group of your choosing in lieu of cards and flowers.

Interment will be private at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL.