Jim Thompson

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