Jim Thompson, wonderful husband, father, and Pap-Pap died unexpectedly Saturday, 4-25-2020 at his residence. Jim was born October 22, 1945 in New Brighton, PA. He was the only child of Bob and Jane (Wycoff) Thompson, but he grew up with close cousins, Jack, Judy, and Jill who filled his childhood with laughter. Jim met the love of his life, Paige Porter, when they were in Junior High. Paige and Jim married while he was attending Slippery Rock as an education major. Jim would tell you that he took his bride to Europe for a year, compliments of the U.S. Army. Jim was drafted into the Army where he proudly served his country in Germany. Returning from Germany with a new baby girl, Kim, Jim completed his studies at Slippery Rock acquiring a teaching degree, and then received his Master’s Degree from Westminster University.
Without ever applying, Jim was asked to teach for the Riverside School District, where he taught math for 34 years until he retired in 2005. All the while, Jim coached basketball. He loved basketball! Jim was lovingly known by almost everyone as “Coach T.” And to some, who knew him best, he was known as “The General.”
Jim is survived by his adoring wife, Paige, with whom he spent 53 happily married years. Jim was the father of 3 daughters, Kim (Vic Rangel), Kristin (Eric Oberg), and Jamie (Steve Floyd). He raised his girls to appreciate all things sport-related. He never wanted some boy to one up them on sports facts. And he knew sports facts. A devoted Steelers and Pirate fan, Jim never missed a Pittsburgh football or baseball game. The only team that rivaled his love of Pittsburgh sports was the Duke Blue-Devils.
Jim was a devoted grandfather to 7 grandkids: Giana and Bella (Rangel) of Ellwood City; Hannah, Emma, and Porter (Oberg) of Beaver; and Gavin and Liam (Floyd) of North Carolina.
He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in New Brighton for over 50 years.
Due to the pandemic, there will not be a public viewing. Private services will be held. Please be with us in prayer. The family wishes to celebrate Jim’s life once social distancing is no longer required. He will be missed by so many.
Memorial contributions in Jim’s memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Marshall Funeral Home, Ellwood City. Online condolences may be sent to marshallsfh.com
Our deepest sympathies to the family of Jim. I pray that the memories made throughout his lifetime will help his family through this trying time.
R.I.P. Jim
My most sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Thompson. Praying peace and comfort over you all during this difficult time. Sorry for you loss.
R.I.P. Coach T
RIP coach T….he was my teacher…coach…coaching colleague and friend….classy gentleman….obviously smart….soft spoken…one of God’s finest…..my sympathy to his family…GOD BLESS. BRAD BRO
What a Great guy to work with and watch Coach. Fun to talk to as a Friend too.
Tremendous Family man, what a Blessing to know Jim.
Praise God for his life, so Special.
All the Best to his wife and family with Sympathy.
Sincerely
Raymond Santillo
I remember teaching with Jim at Hillcrest School. We had a great time together led by Captain Jim. I will be keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers.
Many prayers and blessings to the Thompson family. Mr. Thompson was beloved by so many, and he followed us (his daughter’s friends) who played basketball and was a great cheerleader and Coach to us all! May perpetual light shine upon him.
JIm was a great guy, coach, father, husband, and fiend, He put his all in coaching and teaching. My sympathy goes out to Paige and family. Prayers are said to for his family and he will be missed but remember all the good times you had with him.
I am deeply saddened for Jim’s family for their loss. I worked with Jim at Riverside. He was an extraordinary teacher, coach, and friend to everyone there. Remembering his great sense of humor makes me smile. God bless him. My sympathies to Patti, his daughters and their families, as well as, all his coach friends and teacher friends as I am sure they are feeling this loss
Sympathies to you and your family. Mr. T was one of my favorite teachers.
Jim was a really nice guy with a good sense of humor. I enjoyed teaching with him. My deepest sympathy to Paige and their family. May he rest in peace.
Jim, “It was a great honor to know you, coach with you, and call you my friend.” May you forever rest with the angels.
To the Thompson family I send my deepest sympathy.
I’m so sorry to hear of your immense loss. I have many great memories of his kindness and his laughter. You have my deepest sympathies.
I am so sorry to hear about Jim. My whole family sends condolences. Jim was such a great guy. Although we didn’t spend much time together after I became an adult, we all know the Thompson family’s love is vast and unending. Paige, Kim, Kristin and Jamie, I pray that God will wrap His arms around all of you and your families during your time of grief. Love you all,
Paula (Colwell) Peduzzi and family.
Jim was a great cousin. I remember seeing him at Uncle Bob’s on Hillcrest Drive on Marion Hill as a kid. Those were wonderful times. His Mom was one of the kindest ladies I ever met. Very sorry to hear of his passing. Love you, Paige.
My condolences to Jim’s family and friends. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I will forever remember Jim as a teacher and coach at Riverside. Every basketball practice I observed Jim was either recording shots made or breaking down offensive plays of opposing team. Jim will be sadly missed by many at RBCSD.
Kristin and family – I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Paige and family, I was blown away to hear of Jim’s passing. He was such a special guy. I wish we had spent more time together. You are held in my prayers.
Thank you coach T for your strong guidance and influence as my teacher and coach at Hillcrest Elementary and Riverside Middle /High School. A true leader, great educator, amazing coach and a caring person. You will be missed but your influence and legacy continues. My sympathy and prayers to your family.
Condolences to the family of Jim Thompson from Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 862.
My deepest sympathy to the whole family.
Paige, Kristin, Kim and Jamie my prayers are with you at this time.??
Remembering a great classmate from the New Brighton High School class of 1963, a great teacher to our children at Riverside, and a fellow veteran. Our condolences to Paige and the whole family.
Kristen and family – I’m so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in all the beautiful memories you have. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
You have my deepest sympathy in the passing of you’re husband , dad, and grandfather. Prayers are with you.