James C. “Jim” Thompson, 88, of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013 in Port Charlotte. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 22, 1925 to Gertrude (nee – Alderson) and Conrad Thompson. A veteran of World War II, U.S. Army, Jim returned to graduate from the University of…
Continue ReadingJames C. “Jim” Thompson, 88, of Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Florida, passed away Sunday, December 15, 2013 in Port Charlotte.
He was born in Chicago, Illinois on March 22, 1925 to Gertrude (nee – Alderson) and Conrad Thompson. A veteran of World War II, U.S. Army, Jim returned to graduate from the University of Wisconsin. He was a respected High School Principal and coached football at Birnamwood, Watertown and Racine High Schools in Wisconsin from 1951 to 1966 winning three championships with one undefeated season. He was named to Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Association’s Hall of Fame. Jim was an avid Wisconsin Badger’s and devoted Green Bay Packers fan. He will be remembered for his smile, and enjoyed speaking with everyone he met.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Anita; son, Andy (Annie) Thompson; daughters, Sara (Richard) Toxen and Dr. Lisa (Steve) Thompson; and nine grandchildren.
A Memorial Service celebrating James’s life will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 21, 2013 at South Port Square’s Town Hall, 23033 Westchester Blvd in Port Charlotte.
Arrangements are by Roberson Funeral Home & Crematory, Punta Gorda Chapel.
Sara Toxen
left a message on December 29, 2013:
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words about my father! He was a generous man with the kindest heart. I miss him tremendously!
colleen jones
left a message on December 25, 2013:
He was a wonderful principal at Park.
Roger and Liz Wiley
left a message on December 21, 2013:
We are sorry for your loss. We will miss Jim. Roger and I were blessed to enjoy time with Anita and Jim. Roger thought highly of Jim and enjoyed playing tennis with him and sharing some of life's experiences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anita and the family.
Ron and Connie Levis
left a message on December 20, 2013:
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a pleasure to play bridge with for me and the rest of the Wednesday bridge bunch. He was always friendly, even when the cards weren't running very well, and his smile was infectious.
Sue (Berthlein) Brandtjen
left a message on December 19, 2013:
Nita, Andy, Sara, and Lisa,
I was saddened to hear about Jim's death. I have such fond memories of your family growing up across the street from you on Osborne Blvd. I remember the block parties, vacations, searching for Andy when he ran away/got lost, and of course having Jim for a principal at Park. He was a great man. Please accept my condolences...
Sue
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Paul F. Stetka
left a message on December 18, 2013:
Jim was one heck of a guy! I have mentioned this many times to Nita, Andy, Sarah, and Lisa but I will always remember Jim for his "Calming" influence he had on their household. When "Big" Jim entered the room, his presence alone had an effect and it commanded attention and respect.
I can not watch the U.S Open Tennis Tournament without thinking about Jim! He was more than an avid fan, he was an amazing Tennis player as well. When there was a Tennis tournament, be it the Open, Wimbledon, the French Open, there was Jim Thompson.
I could see Jim's love for Nita and his children every time I had the pleasure of being at their home in Racine. He treated me like one of his own, and quite often, gave me some gentle but hilarious ribbings!
I have mentioned this quote to several friends who have experienced loss this year: "Death ends a Life not a relationship" by Robert Benchley.
Jim, this isn't over by a long shot! All my love and prayers to Jim, Nita, Andy, Sarah, Lisa and Family.
Paul F. Stetka
Shellie Lavore
left a message on December 18, 2013:
My sincere condolences to your family. it was beautiful to read where Sara's talents came from. He must have been an outstanding educational leader... as they say - the apple doesn't fall very far away from the tree.
Regards,
Shellie
Brian Langendorf
left a message on December 18, 2013:
I had great respect and admiration for Mr. Thompson when he served as principal at Park High School. I will always remember his fairness, kindness and dedication to the students and staff at Park. I am sorry for your loss.
Bill & Jo Donaldson
left a message on December 18, 2013:
We all will miss Jim,s smiling face and sense of humor as well as his skills at bidge and tennis - We will keep our happy memories of him in our hearts - May he rest in Peace.
Joe Kiemen
left a message on December 17, 2013:
It was with great sadness that I learned of Jim's passing. As an English teacher at Park High School in Racine, Wisconsin, Jim was a good listener and very thoughtful person. He worked very well with the staff, always had a smile, and was respected by both students and staff. God bless!
Leo Chiappetta
left a message on December 17, 2013:
I knew and worked with many principals in Racine, but Jim always stands out because of his positive rapport with all staff. I especially enjoyed his memos to "see me" to go to his office and we would discuss football in Kenosha during the 50s and 60s. My prayers to the Thompson family.
Joan Bennett
left a message on December 17, 2013:
Condolences to the Thompson family on Jim's passing. Will always remember him as my first principal at Park. I remember my first year in 1971 when racial tension in the school and city was still high. Jim stood calmly in front of an assembly in the "Pit" and helped to calm a very agitated and angry crowd of students. His soft touch in leadership was appreciated by the staff. No need to be a bully when you could get it done by gentle persuasion and good example.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Sara Toxen
left a message on December 29, 2013:
I would like to thank everyone for their kind words about my father! He was a generous man with the kindest heart. I miss him tremendously!
colleen jones
left a message on December 25, 2013:
He was a wonderful principal at Park.
Roger and Liz Wiley
left a message on December 21, 2013:
We are sorry for your loss. We will miss Jim. Roger and I were blessed to enjoy time with Anita and Jim. Roger thought highly of Jim and enjoyed playing tennis with him and sharing some of life's experiences. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Anita and the family.
Ron and Connie Levis
left a message on December 20, 2013:
We are so sorry for your loss. Jim was a pleasure to play bridge with for me and the rest of the Wednesday bridge bunch. He was always friendly, even when the cards weren't running very well, and his smile was infectious.
Sue (Berthlein) Brandtjen
left a message on December 19, 2013:
Nita, Andy, Sara, and Lisa,
I was saddened to hear about Jim's death. I have such fond memories of your family growing up across the street from you on Osborne Blvd. I remember the block parties, vacations, searching for Andy when he ran away/got lost, and of course having Jim for a principal at Park. He was a great man. Please accept my condolences...
Sue
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Paul F. Stetka
left a message on December 18, 2013:
Jim was one heck of a guy! I have mentioned this many times to Nita, Andy, Sarah, and Lisa but I will always remember Jim for his "Calming" influence he had on their household. When "Big" Jim entered the room, his presence alone had an effect and it commanded attention and respect.
I can not watch the U.S Open Tennis Tournament without thinking about Jim! He was more than an avid fan, he was an amazing Tennis player as well. When there was a Tennis tournament, be it the Open, Wimbledon, the French Open, there was Jim Thompson.
I could see Jim's love for Nita and his children every time I had the pleasure of being at their home in Racine. He treated me like one of his own, and quite often, gave me some gentle but hilarious ribbings!
I have mentioned this quote to several friends who have experienced loss this year: "Death ends a Life not a relationship" by Robert Benchley.
Jim, this isn't over by a long shot! All my love and prayers to Jim, Nita, Andy, Sarah, Lisa and Family.
Paul F. Stetka
Shellie Lavore
left a message on December 18, 2013:
My sincere condolences to your family. it was beautiful to read where Sara's talents came from. He must have been an outstanding educational leader... as they say - the apple doesn't fall very far away from the tree.
Regards,
Shellie
Brian Langendorf
left a message on December 18, 2013:
I had great respect and admiration for Mr. Thompson when he served as principal at Park High School. I will always remember his fairness, kindness and dedication to the students and staff at Park. I am sorry for your loss.
Bill & Jo Donaldson
left a message on December 18, 2013:
We all will miss Jim,s smiling face and sense of humor as well as his skills at bidge and tennis - We will keep our happy memories of him in our hearts - May he rest in Peace.
Joe Kiemen
left a message on December 17, 2013:
It was with great sadness that I learned of Jim's passing. As an English teacher at Park High School in Racine, Wisconsin, Jim was a good listener and very thoughtful person. He worked very well with the staff, always had a smile, and was respected by both students and staff. God bless!
Leo Chiappetta
left a message on December 17, 2013:
I knew and worked with many principals in Racine, but Jim always stands out because of his positive rapport with all staff. I especially enjoyed his memos to "see me" to go to his office and we would discuss football in Kenosha during the 50s and 60s. My prayers to the Thompson family.
Joan Bennett
left a message on December 17, 2013:
Condolences to the Thompson family on Jim's passing. Will always remember him as my first principal at Park. I remember my first year in 1971 when racial tension in the school and city was still high. Jim stood calmly in front of an assembly in the "Pit" and helped to calm a very agitated and angry crowd of students. His soft touch in leadership was appreciated by the staff. No need to be a bully when you could get it done by gentle persuasion and good example.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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