James O. Thompson

FRANKLIN

James O. Thompson, 82, of Franklin, died on Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the Franklin United Methodist Community in Franklin.

He was born June 19, 1933, to Charlie A. and Armilda (Wesley) Thompson.

He married Joyce A. (Coner) Thompson in 1953, and she survives.

Jim moved from Kentucky to Franklin in 1950 to work at Arvin’s.

He was later a union painter for more than 40 years. He spent his retirement living on Lamb Lake in Trafalgar and helping his two sons at Trafalgar Grocery.

He always had a smile on his face, never met a stranger and spoke with everyone he met. He was a proud member of the Murat Shrine, Indianapolis Valley of the Scottish Rite and Union Village Masonic Lodge.

He was a member of Amity Baptist church.

He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his family.

Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joyce A. Thompson; two sons, J. Larry (Deidre) and Jeffery Lee (Lisa) of Franklin; two granddaughters, Christina (Eric) Blackwell and Leanna Thompson; two grandsons, Josh (Carly) Groom of Indianapolis and Kenny (Jessica) Thompson of Franklin; three brothers, Ben (Vivian) Thompson and Ronnie (Cathy) Thompson, both of Somerset, Kentucky, and Merrell Thompson of Madisonville, Kentucky; eight sisters, Norma Jean Coner, Genece (Lowell) Daulton, Donna Mink, Marsha (Tim) Chaney and Juritha (Ron) Beshears, all of Somerset, Kentucky, and Faye (Dale) Hopper of Independence, Kentucky, Edna (Sonia) of Blanchester, Ohio, and Felicia (Don) Armstrong of Rising Sun; seven great-grandchildren, Isabelle, Lyla, Adeline, Taylor, Mason, Karter and baby girl Groom coming soon; lots of nieces and nephews whom he loved, and they loved him.

Jim always considered J.D. and Eleanor Coner, Linville and Betty Coner, Ronald Coner and special friend Dana, Robert and Sue Coner, David and Judy Coner, Norma and Roy Frye, and Janice and Paul Dye as his brothers and sisters.

He enjoyed a yearly pheasant hunting trip with family and friends for more than 35 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jerrell and Fred Thompson; and one sister, Evelene Yaden.

The Rev. David Mark Owens will conduct a celebration of life service at 1:30 p.m. Saturday at Swartz Family Community Mortuary and Memorial Center, 300 S. U.S. 31 (Morton St.) in Franklin. Friends may call from 10 a.m. until the service time Saturday at the mortuary. Interment will be at The Gardens at Olive Branch Cemetery, 1605 S. State Road 135, Greenwood.

Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, P.O. Box 863765, Orlando, FL, 32886-3765.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at swartzmortuary.com.

Information: 317-738-0202.