James Stephen Thompson

James Stephen Thompson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend, died peacefully at his residence with his family by his side on Christmas evening. He was 86 years old.

Born in Chicago on February 13, 1937, to Ralph and Myrtle (nee Andersen) Thompson, Jim moved to Racine as a young boy and graduated from Park High School. He proudly served his country in the US Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958, stationed at Twentynine Palms, CA. While on leave in 1957 he met his future wife Sonia Hogard, who was working with Jim’s mother. They were married on August 1, 1959.

Jim and Sonia’s life was an adventure. Over the next eleven years they welcomed five children, the fourth of which interrupted their tenth anniversary dinner and was born the next day. Together the family of seven lived life to its fullest: fishing in Princeton, hunting at the SCHEAD (co-owned with five other dear friends) near Warrens, WI, and loading up the very full station wagon for road trips. Some of Jim’s favorite memories were spent at Lake Nipigon in Canada with extended family and friends. Family get-togethers were spent reminiscing and telling stories, many of which may not be suitable for print. Their family was built on love and remains close.

In his professional life, Jim was an electrical contractor and with partner Marv Pfeiffer owned and operated Electrical Systems and Services for over twenty years, until his retirement in 1999. Retirement didn’t slow Jim and Sonia down; the adventures continued with trips to Denmark and Alaska to visit family and road trips to South Dakota, Alabama, North Carolina, and Texas. The whole family gathered several times in St. Germain and at their beloved SCHEAD.

Jim was a longtime member of Evangelical United Methodist Church, now Faithbridge. Despite being fiercely proud of his Danish heritage (his customized license plate “THE DANE” could be seen around Racine), Jim was welcomed into and enjoyed his membership at the German Club. He also continued to serve his community in the Agerholm-Gross Detachment 346 Marine Corps league and was honored to organize the Iwo Jima float in the Racine Fourth of July Parades. Of course he continued to hunt, fish, shoot skeet and trap, and enjoy spectator sports (especially Packers and Badgers football). Jim kept impeccable records and these last few days the family has enjoyed going through his photos and papers, including old report cards, military commendations, letters to and from relatives, and the receipt for $180.30 for his appendectomy in 1947.

Jim and Sonia’s 64-year marriage is a testament to their five children and their spouses. He will be sadly missed by his wife, Sonia; five children; Patti (Jon) Morelli, Rob (Bette) Thompson, Paul (Amy) Thompson, Mark (Beth) Thompson, and Daniel (Raeann) Thompson; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Morris (Kathleen) Hogard, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Donald and sister-in-law Mary Fran Thompson.

A Memorial Service celebrating Jim’s life will be held at 11:30 am on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, at Faithbridge Church, 10402 Northwestern Ave., Franksville, with the Rev. Dr. David W. Blackmer officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for visitation from 10:00 until the time of service.

The family extends a very special thank you to the staff at The Waters of Oak Creek and to Compassus Hospice for their loving and compassionate care. Those who wish to honor Jim’s memory should consider a memorial to Faithbridge Church or to Veterans Outreach of Wisconsin.