James Thompson

James Bennett Thompson passed away April 18 at home in Bigfork with family by his side.

Jim was born June 26, 1939 in Big Sandy MT to Hallin E. Thompson and Emma Wavrick Thompson.

After the death of his father Jim and Emma moved to the Swan River area where Jim spent the first three years of his schooling. His mother married Cecil Johnson in 1948 and Jim spent the rest of his life on the family farm in Bigfork. He finished school at Bigfork, graduating in 1958.

Jim had a repair shop and was a school bus contractor/driver for Bigfork Schools.  He drove bus for 48 years before illness sidelined him.

Jim married Debbie Gilbert Nov. 30, 1974 in Bigfork. She survives him at the family home. He is also survived by two sons, Alan (Val) Thompson of Seattle. TJ (Cindel Reynolds) Thompson of Bigfork. Three daughters, Karen Thompson of Boise ID, Tia (Chris) Yaryan of Castle Rock CO and Jaine Thompson of Santa Maria CA. Two grandchildren, Brayden and Peyton Yaryan of Castle Rock CO. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Bruce) DELong of Missoula and mother-in-law Rose Gilbert of Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Thompson, Father Hallin Thompson, Step Father Cecil Johnson, Mother Emma Johnson and father-in-law Walter Gilbert.

Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held later this summer.