James Rodger Thompson

James Rodger Thompson known to most as Rodger, 73, of Casper, Wyoming passed away on August 9, 2023 in Casper Wyoming at Banner Medical Center. 

Rodger was born in Casper, Wyoming to James Reid and Nora Mae Lorraine (Feezer) Thompson on November 3, 1949.  He attended school in Casper from Garfield Elementary to CY Junior High, the first year of the school, and on to Natrona County High School where he was part of the graduating class of ’68. 

Rodger went on to join the Navy and served our country during the Vietnam War.  During his years of service he was stationed on 3 ships, the USS Lucid, the USS Enterprise and the USS Brownson.  He served with honor and was happy to return home to Casper when discharged. 

Rodger began his working years pipefitting at Watco in Casper.  In 1978 he started working at Amoco and worked there until the refinery in Casper closed in 1991.  Rodger was the lead for the United Way fundraiser for the Amoco Refinery employees and like everything else he did he did it with his stamp of integrity .  After Amoco closed he decided to go to Casper College and determine what his next career path would be.  He dabbled in a number of different fields all in the name of education.  He truly enjoyed learning new things and always loved to share the new knowledge with others.  Not long after, he became the manager of Sunrise Mall and many of the kids in the surrounding neighbor hoods knew that they were not going to get away with any shenanigans there.  He finished with his final career, driving truck for Richardson Trucking.  His love of this great land we call Wyoming was only increased with the opportunity to drive the back roads all across the state. 

Rodger is survived by the love of his life Cecilia “Maureen” (Simms) Thompson, beloved daughter Leticia (Terry) Drake; brother Thomas Lynn (Donna) Thompson; brother in-law Michael (Judy) Simms; grandsons Patrick (Amanda) Drake, Jesse Morgan, William Thompson; granddaughters Jaylee Schnabel, Isabelle Drake; great grandchildren Harleigh and Desmond Drake; nephews Dray (Cassie) Thompson, Joe Thompson, TJ (Misty) Thompson, and niece Doris Thompson.  He is preceded in death by his parents James Reid and Nora Mae Lorraine (Feezer) Thompson, his brother William “Bill” Thompson, and his dear son Kyle Rodger Thompson.  

Funeral services and Veteran’s honors will be held at Casper First Church of the Nazarene on September 15th, 2023 at 11a.m. , with the pastors of the church officiating.  A reception for family and friends will immediately follow the service at the same location.  Burial will be held on a separate date for immediate family at Oregon Trail Veterans Cemetery.  Bustard & Jacoby Funeral Home will be handling funeral arrangements. 

Memorial donations may be made to CasperNaz at 2020 S Jefferson, Casper WY 82601.