James “Jim” M. Thompson, 83, passed away on March 8, 2025.
He was born on December 26, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois to James and Florence (Kozlowski) Thompson. He married Donna Sample on November 22, 2008. After earning his Associate’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Jim worked in sales for Abbot Interfast.
In his younger years, Jim spent much of his time fishing, camping, watching boat races, and spending time outdoors. He was a skilled craftsman and artist, with a knack for everything from construction and painting cars to building model airplanes. But his biggest passion in life was aviation. He could often be found at air shows or studying WWII fighter jets. He will be dearly missed by all of those he loved.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Donna Sample-Thompson; his children, Julie (John) Shelly, Jim (Denise) Thompson, and Jason (Cindy) Thompson; his stepchildren, Laurie Lee and Frank Schmidt; his sisters, Lois (the late Jim) Murowski and Denise (Rick) Carlen; his grandchildren, Tyler Shelly, Sonjia Shelly, Courtney Thompson, Gregory Thompson, Trevor Thompson, and Haley Thompson; his step grandchildren, Tyler Lee and Cayla Clark; and his nephews and nieces, Mark Gallo, Cheryl Gallo, Ronnie Gallo, Jolene Bresney, Bradley Buntenbach, and Jeremy Belter.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at a later date. DeFiore Funeral Home has been trusted with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Thompson Family.
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com.
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