James R. Thompson, 84, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2016 at his home in Colman, SD. Jim was born October 21, 1931 in Chicago, IL to Robert James and Palma (Nybo) Thompson. They moved to Tracy, MN when Jim was four and he received his early education there. Jim then worked at the Ford Garage in Tracy. He entered the U.S. Army November 5, 1948 and was discharged August 16, 1951 serving during the Korean War as a SGT. He was a member of the National Guard in Minnesota for seven years. Jim married Audrey VanMeveren on December 31, 1950 in Tracy. They moved to Colman, SD in 1961 where he and Kenny Ross started T & R Electric. Jim married Rosemary Bowar on August 2, 1984 in Colman. He continued to work until 2015. Jim was a member of Colman Lutheran Church, Tracy Rod and Gun Club, Colman American Legion, Colman Country Club and many other organizations.

Jim is survived by his wife Rosemary; sons, James A. (Susan), Colman; Daniel (Donna), Egan; William, Valley Park, MO; David and Christopher (Demi), both of Sioux Falls; stepdaughters, Elizabeth (Clifford) Mikesell, Cheyenne, WY; Stephene Lebert, Colman; Jennifer Watson, Bozeman, MT, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; siblings, Ken (Jan) Ross, Gary (Sally) Ross, both of Colman; Lucy Wendell, Egan; Sharon (Vern) Jaacks, Colman; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Palma, stepfather William Ross, wife Audrey, infant son Bradley, siblings, Betty Ziemke, Ron Ross, Richard Ross, John Ross, brother-in-law Francis Wendell, and two grandchildren, Nick and Taylor.

Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, March 31, 2016 at Colman Lutheran Church with burial in Colman Cemetery. Visitation will be 5 – 7 p.m. Wednesday at Skroch Funeral Chapel, Colman, with a 7 p.m. prayer service.