James Felix "Jimbo" Thompson, Jr. age 69, passed away at his home Saturday, May 26, 2012. Born in Water Valley, MS, Mr. Thompson was a veteran with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and also a retired teacher and coach with the Water Valley School District. He attended Northwest Community College where he played football and went on to earn a degree in education from the University Of Mississippi. He attended First United Methodist Church in Water Valley and was a master woodworker who used his carpentry skills as a means to reach out to those in need. Mr. Thompson was an avid sportsman and enjoyed spending time with his friends and family at his beloved Wildcat's property. He was passionate about teaching, and used his love of the outdoors to teach his grandchildren lessons about life. He was also trained in law enforcement and was recently involved in the old Pine Valley School Restoration Project.
A memorial service is planned for 11 AM, Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at the First United Methodist Church in Water Valley with Bro. Phillip Dearman presiding. Visitation will be from 10 AM until service time. A private family service will be held at a later date.
Mr. Thompson is survived by his wife of forty nine years, Julia Faye Hardy Thompson of Water Valley, MS; a son, Steve (Theresa) Thompson of Water Valley, MS; a daughter, Julie Thompson (Jeff) Dalton of Southaven, MS; one sister, Diane Thompson (J. W.) Tuggle of Water Valley, MS; and seven grandchildren, Grant Thompson, Briana Thompson, Elena Thompson, Matt Dalton, Molly Kate Dalton, Olivia Dalton, and Sophie Dalton; and Daniel Wolfe, who was like a grandchild to him, along with a host of other beloved nieces and nephews whom he treasured. He also leaves behind many friends and relatives for whom he deeply cared.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Felix and Louvene Morgan Thompson and his grandparents, "Happy" and Mattie Lipscomb Thompson.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 603 N. Main Street, Water Valley, MS 38965 or to the Pine Valley School Restoration Project, c/o Joni Camp, Treasurer, 940 CR 100, Water Valley, MS 38965.