Reverend James S. Thompson, born May 25, 1920 in Washington, D.C. was called home February 23, 2016. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He served in Army Intelligence during WWII and married Eloise Nafziger in 1943. Jim graduated from Florida Southern University and earned his Master's of Divinity degree from Emory University in 1953.
Jim led Methodist Churches in Oregon beginning with Sweet Home then serving in Bend, Salem and Woodburn where he retired in 1984. He spent five years at the Methodist Conference office in Portland. Jim had a remarkable ability to grow churches and was particularly pleased when the ushers had to open the overflow room and setup the folding chairs!
Jim was an Eagle Scout and loved camping and fishing with his family. His favorite spot in Oregon was Camp Sherman on the Metolius River staying there with family as often as possible. Jim also loved to travel. Together he and Eloise led several tour groups to the Holy Land also spending time in China, Russia, England, Scotland, Japan, Rome, Europe, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Jim is survived by his wife, Eloise and sons David and Donald; brothers David and Lewis and sister, Grace. Jim thoroughly enjoyed being a part of his grandchildren's (Jeffrey, Jennifer and Erin) lives and great grandchildren's (Dale, Whitney and Timothy).
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, Saturday, March 5, 2016 at Woodburn United Methodist Church, 700 N Cascade Dr, Woodburn, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Marion-Polk Food Share, 1660 Salem Industrial Dr. NE, Salem, Oregon 97303.
Arrangements: Simon-Cornwell Colonial Chapel Woodburn Oregon 92071 www.cornwellcolonial.com