James Allen Thompson

James "Jim" Allen Thompson

November 18, 1956 — February 23, 2025

Winona

James “Jim” Allen Thompson, a beloved husband, brother, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Mary's Campus on February 23, 2025, at the age of 68, with his children by his side. 

Jim was born November 18, 1956, at his grandmother's home in Wykoff, MN, to Johnathan and Mary (Fjelstad) Thompson. The family lived in Preston, before moving to Winona in 1961. Jim graduated from Cotter High School in 1975. In 1978, Jim sustained a traumatic brain injury from a motor vehicle accident resulting in lifelong challenges for him. In 1982, he married Debra S. Thompson, resulting in three beautiful children. The two later divorced and shortly after, he remarried Jenny L. Vernon. 

Jim proudly served in the United States Coast Guard with tours ranging from Alaska to the South Pacific, and often shared memories about those times with his family. Shortly after his discharge from the service, he began working with the Army Corp of Engineers. He then began his employment at Badger Foundry, where he was employed and retired after 30+ years. 

Jim had a passion for the mighty Mississippi and camping, which he instilled in his children at a young age, spending countless hours on the water with them; teaching them and many of their friends how to ski and fish. He was a family man through and through, and always welcomed everyone into his home. He had a passion for the Minnesota Vikings and enjoyed Sundays spent at Toby's, watching the games on TV and visiting with his youngest grandchildren. He enjoyed being grandpa and was incredibly proud of each and every grandchild, always boasting about their accomplishments! He was blessed to have spent the last few months living with Melissa and her family, and his two best pals- dogs Oakley and Molly, who never left his side. 

He is survived by his wife Jenny; children, Gideon (Naomi) Thompson, Melissa (Kyle Worthington) Rose, and Tobias (Aubrey) Thompson; grandchildren, Morgan, Kelsi, Drake, Keira, Konnor, Nola, August, and Sonny; step-son, Elliot (Jenny) Thorne; step-grandchildren, Rose, Anthony, Evelyn, Delia, Locke, and Heath; siblings, Patrick (Janet) Thompson, Daniel (Bonnie) Thompson, William Thompson and Peter (Jennifer) Thompson; sister-in-law, Debora Thompson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and older brother, Thomas Thompson.

A Celebration of his life will be 1 p.m., Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Hoff Celebration of Life Center - Goodview. Visitation will be 11 a.m., until the time of the service. Burial will be at Woodlawn Cemetery following the service. 

Hoff Celebration of Life Center is assisting the family.

The service will be livestreamed at the link below. 

 https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc0MDY3Mzk3MTM1MTkwOCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==