James E. Thompson, 93, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center in West Burlington, IA. He was born on June 30, 1931 in Unionville, MO to James O. & Bernice M. Leeper Thompson. He married Elizabeth Marie Bishop on June 3, 1961 in Unionville, MO. He retired from the U.S. Navy after a 21-year career serving in both the Korean War and the Vietnam War. Following retirement, he worked at the Sheaffer Pen Company for 15 years. He loved to watch St. Louis Cardinal Baseball and Iowa Hawkeye Football & Basketball. He played softball and basketball while serving in the navy. He enjoyed golf, fishing and bowling.
Jim is survived by: his wife: Elizabeth “Bette” Thompson of Fort Madison, IA; 1-son: Jim (Lori) Thompson II of Mt. Pleasant, IA; 3-granddaughters: Deanne Thompson of Chicago, IL, Julie Thompson of South Korea & Jennifer Wilcox of West Point, IA; 2-great grandchildren: Eldon Hansen & Jessa Wilcox and 1-sister: Julia “Judy” Wood of Unionville, MO. He was preceded in death by: his parents and 1-sister, Jaunita “Carol” Thompson.
A visitation will be held from Noon until 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024 at King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. The funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Metcalf officiating. Burial will be at Soldiers’ Circle in Oakland Cemetery. A memorial has been established in Jim’s memory. Online condolences to the Thompson family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.
