FRANKLIN THOMPSON Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 17, 2013.

FRANKLIN JAMES 'JIM' THOMPSON

Franklin James 'Jim Thompson, Ph.D., 89, died July 5, 2013, in Sahuarita, Ariz.

Jim was born in Dayton, Wash., on May 7, 1924, to Frank and Lillian (Frick) Thompson. He attended Whitman College in Walla Walla, WA (BA '48, MA '49). He received his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota in 1960.

He served during World War II in the Army in Germany and after the war.

He began his teaching career as a high school social studies teacher in Portland OR. He was the principal of University of Minnesota University High School as he worked on his doctorate, as well as serving as a professor at the University of Minnesota. He spent the majority of his career as the principal of South Pasadena High School in South Pasadena, CA.

Upon retiring and moving to Arizona, he was active in the establishment of the Good Shepherd Church of Christ in Sahuarita, serving as its first moderator. He was also active in the Green Valley Interfaith Council serving as its president. He was president of the Green Valley Friends of the Pima County Library for more than a decade. He also served as a Court-Appointed Special Advocate (CASA).

He is preceded in death by his parents, a daughter Martha Thompson and a great-grandson, Kaden Book.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Helen Gould Thompson (born in Fairmont, MN); his children Ann (Ronald) Karas of The Woodlands, TX; Barbara (William Jr.) Book of Floyds Knobs, IN; James Robert "Bob' Thompson of Tucson AZ; seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, their children and grandchildren, all whom loved him dearly.

A celebration of his life will take place on Saturday, July 27, 2013, at 2 p.m., at the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ, 17750 S. La Canada, Sahuarita AZ. There will be a private burial.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Frank and Lillian Thompson Scholarship at Whitman College or the Good Shepherd United Church of Christ.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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2 Entries

July 23, 2013

Margaret Lindstrom

Helen and Jim Thompson were special friends during their years at Calvary Presbyterian Church, South Pasadena, CA We shared many good times with Jim and Helen in South Pasadena as well as at the beach house of mutual friends.
Jim was a fine wit and a popular leader of small groups that met after Sunday service discussing books and ideas.
Helen, I know this is not easy, but you are not alone. You are in the hearts of many friends here in California.

July 19, 2013

Lynne Dablow

I remember the day I went to South Pas High School. My Uncle Jim as the HS Principal at South Pas for many years. I met him in the library where he took the time to show me a program for matching vocational interests and strengths with appropriate colleges. It was the way I learned about Scripps College - and Uncle Jim had suggested Scripps even before I used the library computers. He has always been a very supportive person in my life and I will always be particularly grateful to him for introducing me to The Claremont Colleges and Scripps College. Love to you, Uncle Jim. God speed, Uncle Jim.

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