James Carlos Thompson

James Thompson, 70 of Phoenix, Arizona, passed away on September 29th, 2024. He was born in Fairbury, Illinois in 1953 to his parents, Carlos and Marjorie Thompson. He is survived by his siblings Judith Kelleher of Phoenix, Arizona and Joanne Beck of Port Angeles, Washington, and brothers in law, William Kelleher and Al Van der Waal. His brother, John Thompson preceded him in death. James attended Illinois State University and received his Bachelor of Science in Art degree. James had a true talent for painting and creating structures. He had a passion for trains by collecting and building his own model railroad in his home. In his past time, James always shared his stories of traveling to Wyoming as a child with his parents. He loved fishing, horseback riding, and the country side. He traveled to Wyoming with his wife and children frequently throughout the years. James had a career in the grocery business starting at a small local grocery store, Dave’s Supermarket in Fairbury, Illinois and later retiring from one of the major grocery chains in Arizona. 

James is survived by his wife of 47 years, Susan Thompson. They were married in 1977 and moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1980. They moved to Arizona to follow family and to escape the tough Illinois winters. James is also survived by his daughters, Deborah Rodriguez and Kathleen Gallagher; His Sons-in-law, Jonathan Rodriguez and John Gallagher, and granddaughter Sabrina Rodriguez. A celebration of life will be held for James at a later date.