James A. Thompson

Thompson, James A.
James A Thompson, 59, died peacefully at his home in Fairfield on June 1st after a valiant two-year fight with pancreatic cancer. He was the beloved husband of Stephanie Lovejoy Thompson.
Jim received his Masters of Architecture degree from Georgia Institute of Technology. After beginning his career in Augusta, GA, he joined the firm of David Easton, Inc. in New York in 1989, becoming a principal in charge of numerous major projects including the Kluge residence in Charlottesville, VA. (now part of the University of Virginia) and Braemar Castle (now a part of the National Trust of Scotland) in Aberdeenshire. He founded James A Thompson Architects in 1995, specializing in both commercial and residential projects throughout the northeast. At the time of his death, he was a senior partner in Thompson Raissis Architects in Stamford, CT.
Jim was born in Wilmington, Delaware, one of four children of Paul L. Thompson and the late Thelma G. Thompson. He was a devoted stepfather to Jane Burley Schoenborn and Benjamin Burley, and - known as Grumps - he was an active and enamored grandfather to Sabrina and Tiki Schoenborn and Samantha and Dillon Burley. Two weeks before his death, he participated in the wedding of his niece, Megan Augspurger and, with Stephanie and his father, traveled with Megan and her husband, Chris, to Ireland, touring castles, farms and pubs with enthusiasm.
A dedicated hunter, farmer, sailor and traveler, Jim loved the great outdoors. He hunted with bow and arrow in BC, Arizona, and Alaska, sailed with friends around Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, the Aegean and the Virgin Islands, and enjoyed tending his prolific, organic vegetable garden in Fairfield. He had a remarkable memory and understanding of complex topics, ranging from world politics to scientific discoveries to environmental concerns. He and Stephanie traveled frequently, especially enjoying Caribbean vacations with their grandchildren.
Jim also leaves his devoted four-legged friend, Gabby, a bulldog who never left his side in his final days.
A memorial service will be held on June 29th at 4:30pm. Burial will be private.