James "Jim" Allen Thompson

James "Jim" A. Thompson, 80, Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away Friday, September 11, 2015, at Sanford Health, Bismarck. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Thursday, September 17, 2015, at DaWise-Perry Funeral Services, Mandan with Rev. Robert Rowan officiating. Visitation is scheduled one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be in Fort Snelling National Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Cremation has taken place per family wishes.

Jim was born May 2, 1935, at Minot, North Dakota, to Sanford and Myrtle (Johnson) Thompson. He was baptized July 28, 1935, at Zion Lutheran Church in Minot. In his youth, he worked at his uncles shoe shop in Minot. Jim enlisted in the Navy and honorably served from 1955 to 1961. He took great pride in serving aboard the USS North Hampton where he saw lot of the world. After his Navy service, he returned to Minot and married Mary Kraft in 1960. From this union, their children Melody Ann and Rob Allen were born. Jim was an avid fisherman and enjoyed watching all Minnesota sports teams. He was a lifetime member of North American Fishing Club. In 1982, he married Norma (Storud) Lee, and added an extended family. He was a member of the Baker's Union, and worked for McGlynns Bakery and General Mills until his retirement in 2000. He moved back to North Dakota in 2005 and became a volunteer at the Senior Center. You could almost always find him at the pool tables or having coffee with his friends.

He is survived by his wife, Norma, Bismarck; son, Rob Thompson, Hastings, Minnesota; daughter, Melody Thompson; Lakeville, Minnesota; sisters, Vonnie (Vern) Thraen, Bloomington, Minnesota, and Mar (Lonnie) Vore, Owatonna, Minnesota; several grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and extended family members and friends.

James was preceded in death by his parents, step-father, first wife Mary; and two brothers, Gary and Wayde.