JAMES "JIM" THOMPSON, of Lethbridge AB, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at the age of 87.

Jim was born James Matthew Thompson on January 21, 1934 to Matthew and Marion Thompson on the farm near Bredenbury, Saskatchewan. Jim spent his early years helping on the farm; tending the cattle and the fields with his father and brothers.

In 1952, Jim had enough of farm life and joined the Royal Canadian Air Force as a Mechanic. After serving for 3 years, Jim was honourably discharged and returned back to Saskatchewan, where in 1958 he met the love of his life, his wife Evelyn. In 1959, Jim and Evelyn were married, and they enjoyed many years together building a life. Jim was a jack of all trades, but his greatest pleasure was his family. Times weren't always easy, but Jim's strong work ethic and devotion to his family saw them through.

Jim retired in 1986, and that's when his second life began. Jim spent the following years being the best Papa to his grandchildren, taking numerous bus trips with Evelyn, visiting with his family and friends, and telling more and more of his famous stories. In his later years, Jim struggled with health issues, but he never lost his sense of humour or spark. You always knew when you had been 'Jimmed' when you saw the twinkle in his eye and the knowing grin on his face. In 2018, Jim lost his beloved wife Evelyn after 59 years of marriage. Losing 'Mother' was hard on Jim, but he carried on stoically. Towards the end, Jim was surrounded by his family, and received the best of care from the staff at Good Samaritans.

He is survived by his children Allan, Laurie (Dale), Les (Janet), and Randy, his 4 grandchildren Crystal (Trevor), Tara (Andrew), Travis, and Jennifer, and his 8 great-grandchildren Kalia, Gaetana, Anton (Crystal and Trevor), Brynn, Brooke, Charlotte (Tara and Andrew), Kahleah, and Declan (Jennifer) who brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his brothers Gerald (Shirley) and Wilf (Jean), his sisters Jean Paxman (Ken), Merle Froelich, Lyla Prokopishin (Mike), Doreen Haubrich (Wendel), many brothers and sisters-in-law, as well as numerous extended family members and friends.

Jim was predeceased by his devoted wife Evelyn, parents Matthew and Marion, his brothers Ken, Paul, Bob and Rae, his sisters Carol, Velma, and Margaret, his son-in-law Dale, his mother and father-in-law Edward and Phyllis, and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Saltcoats, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Good Samaritans Society - Park Meadows in his memory.

Jim will be deeply missed by his family, and by all who knew him