James Stephen Thompson

James "Jimmy" Stephen Thompson, 79, of Mabelvale, Arkansas left this life to be with the Lord, on Wednesday, August 7, 2024. He was born to the late, Eugene and Vernie (Roller) Thompson, on Wednesday, December 13, 1944. Jimmy's parents had 16 children; 13 living and 3 deceased during infancy.
Jimmy was the ninth of thirteen children. Throughout the years, he shared many childhood memories of his "life in a large family", the chaos, the laughter, but most of all, the love they had for each other.
Jimmy will always be remembered for his big heart, big smile, and warm personality. He never met a stranger and was so easy to talk to.
Jimmy proudly served in the US Army and in the Vietnam War. He was later employed at the Pine Bluff Arenal, where he retired.
In earlier years, Jimmy enjoyed playing his guitar and singing. There were many late nights of him and his brother, Mike, playing and singing old country hits.
In his senior years, he enjoyed watching westerns, game shows, and talking to his sons.
In the weeks prior to his passing, Jimmy expressed that he had rededicated his heart and life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Although Jimmy's presence will be deeply missed, there is assurance in knowing we can see him again, if our hearts, too, are ready.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Sue Thompson Beasley, and three brothers, Bill, Gene, and Johnny.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 17 years, Brenda (Brady) Thompson; his daughter, Barbie (Thompson) Billingsley; sons, John Ashley Thompson and James Kyle Thompson (Christa); grandchildren: Britney Gann (Jake), Evan Thompson (Corbin), Annalise and Fischer Thompson, Jessica Ford (Dalyn); great granddaughters: Emmerson and Raelynn Gann, Jovi Thompson, Emery Ford, and Lexi Smith; siblings: Dorothy Withers, Mary Watson, Joe Thompson, Ruth Carey, Doyle Thompson, Racheal Reed, Mike Thompson, Esther Brown; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held Thursday evening, August 15th, 2024, from 6:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Dial and Dudley Funeral Home.
There will be a graveside service at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, August 16th, 2024, at Ida Mission Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest.
Pallbearers include Jamey Thompson, Ashley Thompson, Evan Thompson, Fischer Thompson, Brant Steele, and Dalyn Ford.