James O. Thompson, 82, of Franklin, IN, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin, IN. He was born June 19, 1933 to Charlie A. and Armilda (Wesley) Thompson.
He married Joyce A. (Coner) Thompson in 1953, she survives.
Jim moved from Kentucky to Franklin, IN in 1950 to work at Arvin’s. He was later a union painter for over 40 years. He spent his retirement living on Lamb Lake in Trafalgar, IN and helping his two sons at Trafalgar Grocery.
He always had a smile on his face, never met a stranger and spoke with everyone he met. He was a proud member of the Murat Shrine, Scottish Rite and Union Village Masonic Lodge. He was a member of Amity Baptist church. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He loved his family.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years Joyce A. Thompson; two sons J. Larry (Deidre) and Jeffery Lee (Lisa) of Franklin, IN; two granddaughters Christina (Eric) Blackwell, and Leanna Thompson; two grandsons, Josh (Carly) Groom, of Indianapolis, IN and Kenny (Jessica) Thompson of Franklin, IN; three brothers Ben (Vivian) Thompson of Somerset, KY, Ronnie (Cathy) Thompson of Somerset, KY, and Merrell Thompson of Madisonville, KY; eight sisters, Norma Jean Coner, Genece (Lowell) Daulton, Donna Mink, Marsha (Tim) Chaney, Juritha (Ron) Beshears all of Somerset, KY, and Faye (Dale) Hopper of Independence, KY, Edna (Sonia) of Blanchester, OH, and Felicia (Don) Armstrong of Rising Sun, IN; seven great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Lyla, Adeline, Taylor, Mason, Karter, and Baby Girl Groom coming soon; lots of nieces and nephews which he loved and they loved him. Jim always considered J.D. and Eleanor Coner, Linville and Betty Coner, Ronald Coner and special friend Dana, Robert and Sue Coner, David and Judy Coner, Norma and Roy Frye, and Janice and Paul Dye as his brothers and sisters. He enjoyed a yearly pheasant hunting trip with family and friends for over 35 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers Jerrell and Fred Thompson, and one sister Evelene Yaden.
Reverend David Mark Owens will conduct a celebration of life service Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 1:30PM at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 South US 31 (Morton St.) in Franklin, IN, 46131. Friends may call Saturday, April 16, 2016 from 10AM till service time at the mortuary. Interment will be at The Gardens at Olive Branch Cemetery, 1605 South State Road 135, Greenwood, IN, 46143. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P. O. Box 863765, Orlando, FL, 32886-3765. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.swartzmortuary.com. Information at 317-738-0202.