Frank & Bright Funeral Home

Jim Thompson

Apr 24th, 1944 - Mar 1st, 2024

      James D. Thompson, age 79, of Flora, Illinois, passed away Friday morning, March 1, 2024, at HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital in Effingham.

      Jim was born April 24, 1944, in Harter Township, Clay County, Illinois, the son of Elmer and Ona (Harmon) Thompson.  He was united in marriage to Brenda K. Wyman on June 8, 1973, in Flora.

      Jim served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam, earning the rank of Sergeant.  He was a member of and served as past commander of both the Flora American Legion Post 14 and Flora VFW #3999.  He was a 32nd Degree Mason and a member of Anthony Doherty Lodge #1111 in Cisne, and was a Shriner.  Jim had worked at Halliburton and for the City of Flora, and was the service and parts manager at Wilson Motor Sales in Flora.  He later worked at the Lawrence Correctional Center.  He particularly enjoyed taking care of his yard, socializing with friends, and the good memories of the times his brothers and family would get together with their guitars to play music.  And his grandkids truly brightened the days when he could spend some time with them. 

      He is survived by his wife of 50 years: Brenda Thompson of Flora; 2 daughters: Randi Thompson of Cropsey and Jami (Eric) Lewis of Bible Grove; 4 grandchildren: Blake Thompson (Emily Robertson), Sierra Buffington, Chloe Lewis, and Colin Lewis; a great-grandson: Carter Thompson; 2 brothers: Bob (Ruth) Thompson and Dave (Linda) Thompson; a sister-in-law: Sandra Thompson; several nieces and nephews; a friend who was very much a brother: Sam Oulrey; and longtime friends, Les and Stacy Higgason.

      He was preceded in passing by his parents; and a brother: Willie Thompson.

      A funeral will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora.  Burial will be in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville, with the presentation of military funeral honors.  Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home.  Memorial donations are suggested to the donor’s choice of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, or Fur A Good Paws in Flora, and any of these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com