JAMES WILLIAM THOMPSON

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JAMES WILLIAM THOMPSON October 9, 1921 - February 14, 2002 Passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 14, 2002. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ara; son Bruce (Ginny) daughter Alison (Byron Gislason) and son Neill (Kim) nine grandchildren, Tracey (Joe Bryksa), Rob and Aynslie Thompson, Stephan, Eric (Michelle), Christine (Chad) and Diana Gislason and Evan and Jenna Thompson and three great-grandchildren, Hayley Bryksa, Kyle and Lyndsi Gislason. Jim is also survived by his sisters, Joan Bates (Sid) of Castle Donington, England, and Peggy Dunn of Draycott, England as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Dad was born in Burton-on-Tent, England and started work as a plumbers apprentice, however, this was disrupted by the Second World War. He enlisted in the RAF, became a flight instructor and as part of the Commonwealth Air Training Program was stationed on various bases in Western Canada. It was while in Manitoba that he met Ara, they were married in July, 1945 and were sent back to England in late 1945. Two years later they were back in Winnipeg bringing Bruce with them. Over the years Alison and Neill joined the family in St. James. Dad worked on his career and in 1959 joined the Penitentiary Service, working his way up from resident plumber to Acting Warden at Stoney Mountain. In 1975 he took over the half-way house in Winnipeg and then chose to retire in 1979. Dad was an avid model builder and tinkerer; continuously filling the upstairs with planes, trains and boats. The house, which he built, was always being adjusted. Dad loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and tried to pass along his building skills to them. He always wanted them to affectionately refer to him as "Jim". In his retirement he took an active role in the Retired Federal Prison Officers Association of Manitoba, which continued right up to his death. The family wishes to extend its sincere thanks to the Winnipeg Fire Service and Paramedics, the staff of the Grace Hospital ER and the Health Sciences Centre, MICU for their determined efforts and support. Flowers are gratefully declined. If you so desire, please make a donation to the charity of your choice in Dads name. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, February 19 at 12:30 p.m. at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home, 4000 Portage Ave. Arrangements entrusted to: CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME CEMETERY AND CREMATORIUM 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 16, 2002