James "Jimmy" Leonard Thompson

James “Jimmy” Leonard Thompson, age 84, of Palestine, Texas, left this world for his home in Heaven on Wednesday, the 26th day of April 2023.  Mr. Thompson passed away at home with his devoted wife by his side.  He was born in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, on the 10th day of April 1939, to parents Leonard Franklin Thompson and Naomi Desse Thompson.                 

Mr. Thompson grew up in Kansas City, Missouri and moved to Palestine three years ago.  While living in Missouri, he attended North Kansas City High School.  He went on to serve in the United States Army and married the love of his life, Shirley Colley.  Mr. Thompson was a very blessed man with wonderful parents and a beautiful wife. 

Honorable, faithful, and discerning are all words to describe Mr. Thompson. He loved God and a godly lifestyle.  The Bible was his only textbook for guidance, correction, decisions to make, comfort, love, hope, help in times of need, pain, sorrow, fears, refreshment, or whatever came about in his life.  He was good at business of any kind, but mainly worked as a machinist, tool, and dye for most of his career. 

Mr. Thompson served as a Deacon at Antioch Bible Baptist Church in Missouri, and he loved to sing.  He loved singing so much that he led the church choir for a time.  Mr. Thompson lived his life to be ready for the day when the Lord would call him home.  We rejoice in his newfound home, but the loss of Mr. Thompson will be deeply felt by his family and friends for years to come.

Mr. Thompson joins in Heaven his parents Leonard and Naomi Thompson, and his sister Lorene Nettleton.

Left with wonderful memories are his wife of 64 years, Shirley Thompson; nieces, Elizabeth “Liz” Evans, Kathy Foudray, and Pam Phillips; and his brother-in-law, Austin Colley and wife Evelyn.

Funeral services to celebrate James Thompson’s life are to be conducted at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, the 28th day of April 2023 in the Rhone Memorial Chapel with David Foudray and Jason Driskell officiating the service.  Interment will follow in Pilgrim Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas.

Friends are invited to visit with the family one hour prior to the start of the service at Rhone Funeral Home.

Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Eric Evans, Bryan Evans, Cole Evans, Hunter Evans, Peyton Evans, and Cameron Evans.

Funeral services for James Leonard Thompson are in care of Rhone Funeral Home, 3900 S. State Highway 19, Palestine, Texas. 

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