Skip to content

James Ernest Thompson

November 28, 2022

Peacefully, with his loving wife by his side, at University Hospital, London on Monday, November 28, 2022 in his 83rd year.

Beloved husband of Jane Sylvia Thompson (née Mearns) for 52 years.  Loving father of Laura Jane, Peter James, and daughter-in-law Sonya Lynn.  Predeceased by his brother Michael. James lived a life full of love, adventure, and travel.

A lifelong supporter of both Southampton and Cliftonville Football Club, Ulster Rugby, and the Irish Rugby Football Union. James loved his work at the General Motors Diesel Division, but more importantly he loved the people with whom he worked. An avid traveler and jetsetter, James would appear at quiz nights in Belfast one day, football matches in England the next and rugby matches in New Zealand a week later. James was enamored with anything aeronautical – whether it be his apprenticeship at aircraft manufacturer Shorts Brothers, Belfast: his temporary crew status on the world’s largest aircraft (The Antonov); or just sitting at the end of the runway at YXU during his lunch breaks.

Most importantly, James loved his family, immediate and extended, in Canada, Northern Ireland, and around the world.  He always put the good of others ahead of himself.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial Celebration of Life will be held at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, on Sunday, December 4, 2022, between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.  Tributes and remembrances will be shared between 2:30 – 3:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario.

Leave a tribute for James Ernest Thompson

Leave a tribute

  • Accepted file types: jpg, png, gif, Max. file size: 2 MB.

Dear Jenny, I was so sorry to learn of the passing of Jim only last week as I was in transit through Toronto. Although many years have passed I remember well our Holidays; Working in Short Bros; Cricket at Shorts; Rugby at Cooke; many memorable nights out; not forgetting we both lived in Joanmount Park and the honour of being his best man. Sincere condolences to you and your family. Rest in peace Jim.

~ Norman Fitzsimmons

It was heartbreaking to hear the news of uncle James passing. He was a lovely man, big character and so full of life and stories. We will always remember him fondly and keep him in our hearts. You will be dearly missed Uncle James. Thinking of you all and keeping you close to our hearts. Love Emma, Andy and boys xx

~ Emma and Andy Thomson

Dear Jen, Peter and Sonya, Jim's passing is a great loss. He was a wonderful person and ready to make you laugh no matter what. He was also a great colleague, always willing to help on the job at GMD. He was an ambassador for his homeland and taught us all about "chip buddies". It was nice to see him at the Uplands Canada Day event. Our most heartfelt condolences to you from our family. Rest in Peace... Jimmy!

~ Claudio and Carmen De Vincenzo

Dear Jenny, Peter and Laura, Words can't express the loss of Jim, a very dear and wonderful friend. Without Jim Medric would still be wandering around the airport in Santa Barbara wondering which way to turn. Jim always knew how to make you laugh with his dry, Irish sense of humour. Jenny your determination and strength allowed Jim to live a happy and normal life as possible with his disability. We will miss all the good times we shared for many years. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Our deepest sympathy. Love Med and Shirley

~ Medric and Shirley Hachey

Peter and Sonya , I am sending warm thoughts full of hugs your way. Your dad had an exceptional life and I know he will be missed tremendously by all who knew him. You both were a great support for him and your mom during these last years. My sincere condolences.

~ Rosemary Tonkin


James was quite a man. He was a regular at my center and worked hard to maintain his mobility, strength and flexibiity right up to becoming ill. He was humorous and could make us all laugh. He was smart and engaging and easy to talk to. He was always accompanied by his life long love and it is hard to separate James from Jenny as they were such a team. People who we work with come and go, but James and Jenny were like family to our team. So dedicated to living the best life possible with a disabling disease. The impact James had on Sari, Brenda, Darien, Hilary, Shelialah, Alysia, Kathy, Moira, Sharon, Katelyn, Jessica, Alex and others at Neuphysio was remarkable. He will be missed. Sari and team

~ Sari Shatil

Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family Jenny - although we only knew Jim in recent years we could see there was a great sense of humour, vitality and a twinkle & a smile in his Irish eyes. Rest in Peace Jim ….. Angela & Clive

~ Angela & Clive Matthews

When I think of Jim I see light, hear cheeky laughter and feel warmth. I feel privileged to have met him in person and also get to know him through family stories. The overwhelming love Jim had for his family was almost tangible and I am certain that it will carry on with the same strength in his amazing wife and his incredible children 💜

~ Alina Shostakovsky

I have very fond memories of Daddy Jim. He would lovingly hollar "hello Ms. BUTT!" once I was spotted and would proceed to ask me many questions with genuine interest in my well-being. He had a huge heart and passed on this terrific trait to both Laura and Peter. From my family to yours I want to extend our deepest condolences. My heart aches for your loss. Kathleen Marshall

~ Kathleen Marshall

Dear Jennie and family, please accept my deepest sympathies in the loss of your dear husband and father. I will be thinking of you on Sunday, as I am unable to attend the celebration of his wonderful, filled life. Take care of each other, Liz

~ Liz Pettigrew

A donation has been made. Message from the donator: My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

~ Aman Bansal

Jim welcomed me into his family and always treated me like a daughter. I am so fortunate to be a member of the Thompson clan! Jim, you will be forever missed and the memories we made will never be forgotten. 💜

~ Sonya Thompson

Our condolences to the Thompson family. I had the pleasure of working with Jim for many years at Diesel Division and he will always be remembered for his winning friendly nature and his positive approach to everything he did. May he rest in peace.

~ Roy and Nancy Gardner

My daddy Jim- one of the best men I’ve ever known and a profound influence in my life. You will always be thought of with a smile on my face, I am so fortunate and thankful to know a man like you. Jennie, Peter and Laura, thank you for sharing him with me and my very sincere and heartfelt condolences xoxo

~ Melanie Neale

My heartfelt condolences to the family and all who knew Jim. I was one of many who worked with him over the years.

~ Lynn Bertie

Services for James Ernest Thompson

Celebration of Life will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

December 4, 2022 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Words of Remembrance will be held at:
Westview Funeral Chapel
709 Wonderland Road North,
London, Ontario

December 4, 2022 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm

Make a donation

If you wish to make a donation, please consider one of the charities listed below. You will be taken to the charity's website to process your payment.

Parkinson Society Southwestern Ontario

Notify family of your donation

Kindly submit the form below if you wish to notify the family of your donation.