Jimmy Dale Thompson

1936 - 2021

Jimmy Dale Thompson

Jimmy Dale Thompson of Gainesville, Texas, passed away on January 10, 2021 after a valiant struggle with CoViD. Jim was born to E.J. and Blanche Thompson of Gainesville on May 2, 1936. He married Jonell Lipsey in 1956.

After graduating Gainesville High School, Jim began his career at Gainesville National Bank. He took advantage of opportunities leading to employment at National Supply Company and advancing his education at the now North Central Texas College. In 1963, Jim and family moved to Denton to complete his education.

Jim held the Bachelor of Business Administration from NTSU, now University of North Texas. His career in the fashion industry began at Haggar Company of Dallas, where he held various positions before managing Haggar manufacturing plants in Temple, Oklahoma and Waxahachie, Texas. Jim directed production and quality assurance at Mann Manufacturing of El Paso, Santone Industries in San Antonio, and returned to Dallas at Tréage, Prophecy Corporation, and Allison Collectibles. He pursued a second career with Zales Corporation before "retiring" in 2007 to Lake Texoma.

Jim was involved with all activities at Lighthouse United Methodist Church in Kingston, Oklahoma, and served on the board of Texoma Volunteer Fire District. The lake house and property provided 30 years of lively gatherings and retreat, memories which will be treasured by all.

As a faithful member of First United Methodist Church Gainesville, Jim taught Bible studies and was a volunteer partner at Second Time Around Resale [STAR], a mission outreach of the church, and supported other philanthropies. He shared his Christian faith with family and friends, enjoyed storytelling, golf, and outdoor activities. Piano, singing, oil painting, furniture restoration, and decoupage were among his many talents.

Jim is survived by his wife and their daughters Rev. Kathy (Kake) Nations and husband Tom, and Becki Harris and husband Billy, all of Denton; grandchildren Riley Pritchett of Austin, Chloe Pritchett of Denton, Dylan Venzke, wife Jenny and great-grandson Carter James of Sanger, Maddie Venzke of Denton, and Sarah DeLaMare, husband Joshua and great-grandson Gavin of Denton. He is also survived by his brother Keith Thompson and wife Karen of Highland Village, and Faye McDowell and husband Mike of Lewisville, Texas. Beloved companion Bear, a black-mouth cur, also misses Jim dearly.

A Celebration of Life and Resurrection will be held at a later date. Jim was very supportive of and committed to DASH (Delivering & Serving the Homebound), a non-profit provider of weekend and holiday meals to supplement Meals on Wheels services in Gainesville. Those desiring to make a memorial gift are asked to consider DASH, PO Box 996, Gainesville, Texas 76240.