James E. "Jim" Thompson

James Edward “Jim” Thompson, 80, of Rockford went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 11, 2018. Born March 8, 1937, in Rockford, son of Paul and Dorothy (Youngberg) Thompson. Graduated from West High School in 1955. Served in the U.S. Army Reserve, Co. C, Engineers. Worked as a tool and die specialist at J.L. Clark for 44 years.

Jim was a good and hardworking man who loved his family, grandchildren and special furry friend Lilla. He enjoyed camping, hiking, bike riding, traveling, wood working, puttering in the yard, all dogs, Thunder Mountain at Disney World and Mexican food at his favorite restaurant De Juan’s. He was an expert rifleman and once shot 50 clay pigeons in a row while trap shooting. Bluegrass hymns and Vince Gill were his favorite music choices.

Attended Grace Family Church for many years. He was a Christian who enjoyed reading his Bible until his eyesight and Alzheimer’s Disease took that away from him.

Jim married Sandra Magnuson in 1959. They spent many happy years together as best friends. They enjoyed working on craft projects and traveling to Ireland, Australia, Norway, Sweden and most of the United States.

His 9th great-grandparents were John Alden and Priscilla Mullins, Mayflower passengers, and his heritage is documented at www.alden.org. He and Sandy enjoyed traveling to different states finding records and visiting cemeteries to prove this.

Survived by his wife of 58 years, Sandra Thompson, sons Bruce Thompson of Rockford and Ryan (Karen) Thompson, Hampshire, IL, daughter Lynn Walsh of St. Charles, IL, Grandchildren Emily and Michael Thompson, Hampshire, IL and Jenna Walsh, St. Charles, IL. Sister Pauline (Tom) Johnson, Denver, CO, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Preceded in death by his parents and sister, Joanne Larkin. Jim’s family is thankful to the staff at Anam Care and Heartland Hospice who took such wonderful and loving care of him.

Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Saturday, January 20, 2018, at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. with Pastor Keith Manley officiating. Burial in Flora Cemetery, Flora Church Rd, Boone County. Visitation will be 9:30 am until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jim’s name to Compassion International at www.compassion.com which is a child-advocacy ministry that pairs compassionate people with those who are suffering from poverty. The ministry releases children from spiritual, economic, social, and physical poverty. The goal is for each child to become a responsible and fulfilled adult.