In Loving Memory
James "Jim" Thompson
September 25, 1956 - May 31, 2021

VISITATION
Friday, June 4, 2021
4:00 - 7:00 P.M.
Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
Emmetsburg, Iowa

SERVICE
Saturday, June 5, 2021
2:00 P.M.
St. John's Lutheran Church
Depew, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Kevin Weeks
Rev. Lee Laaveg

PRIVATE FAMILY INTERMENT
Evergreen Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

James Joel Thompson, son of Lyle "Red" and Margaret "Peg" (Gowans) Thompson, was born September 25, 1956.  Jim grew up on the Thompson family farm north of Depew, Iowa.  He received his education in Emmetsburg, Iowa graduating from Emmetsburg High School in 1975.  His love of farming began at an early age, and after graduation he continued to farm with his dad and brother.

On August 28, 1976 Jim was united in marriage to Cindy Dunigan at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Emmetsburg.  They were blessed with two daughters, Jamie and Brett.  Jim, Cindy, and the girls made their home on the farm north of Depew, the same farm where his mom, Peg, was born and raised.  Jim and his family were blessed to have close family living just down the road.  In February of 2003, Jim experienced a life changing event that left him paralyzed and wheelchair bound.  Jim and his family faced this challenge head on and learned to live life in a new way.  Throughout the last 18 years, Jim's challenges have brought many special people into his life and he greatly appreciated every single one of them.

Growing up, Jim was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Depew, but became a faithful member that attended Sunday services weekly, after his paralysis.  Jim could be found parked at the end of the back pew next to his mom, sister, and brother.  Jim was a die hard Iowa State Cyclone fan and was most often seen wearing his Cyclone attire. He attended many of the Cyclone football and basketball games with Cindy and the girls. Jim instilled this love for the Cyclones into Jamie and Brett and was so proud when they both graduated from ISU.  Jim enjoyed deer and bird hunting and loved to go fishing.  What Jim appreciated most was the time spent with his family, and especially his two granddaughters, Maggie and Elsey.  He could also be found at Wild Rose Casino every now and then trying out his luck at the slots!

Jim passed away Monday, May 31, 2021 at his home north of Depew, at the age of 64.  Jim left this world on his own terms, at home on the farm with Cindy, while wearing one of his favorite Iowa State t-shirts.  He was preceded in death by this parents, Red and Peg Thompson; his brother, Monte Thompson; and his father-in-law, Jim Dunigan.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy of Cylinder, Iowa; his daughters and son-in-law, Jamie and Joe Gavle of Decorah, Iowa and Brett Thompson of West Des Moines, Iowa; his two granddaughters, Margaret Jo "Maggie" and Elsey James Gavle of Decorah, Iowa; his sister and brother-in-law, Christy and Dave White of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his mother-in-law, Rick Dunigan; as well as many other relatives and friends.
Jim's family would like to thank everyone that played a part in Jim's life, especially during the last 18 years when he relied on so many for their help.   With all of your support, he continued to battle time and time again.  He was a true warrior.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home