James Michael Thompson

Barbourville, Ky. – James Michael Thompson, 56, of Bimble, passed away August 3, 2025 at his home surrounded by family after a battle with cancer. James was born in Whitley County, on November 12, 1968 to Janice Sears King and Michael Thompson. He was a born again Christian and faithful member of Beacon Baptist Church since its establishment in 2001. James was a graduate of Whitley County High School. On May 16, 1999 James married, his pride and joy, Sandra Townsley Thompson. James and Sandra were married for 26 years and blessed with two sons, Cody and Cory. He loved his wife Sandra which is what lead him to make his home in Barbourville. If he could think of it she would cook it and he would eat it and brag it was the best he ever had. He told everyone his wife was the best cook and hands down the best person he ever knew. He was so proud of his sons Cody and Cory. He loved the fact that both boys followed in his footsteps and are also dedicated members and workers in their churches and raising their families there. James was always ready to help people. He made a life of it. He worked for several assisted living group homes where the residents adored him. He later started a journey in the education field. He started out as custodian at Boone Elementary School where he made sure that all kids were treated equal and with kindness and left lasting impressions on so many. When he was no longer physically able to fulfill custodian duties he went back to college to further his education and received an Associates in Science Degree. His last position was a special needs instructional assistant and he took the best care of his boys while still continuing to shine light to other students along the way. He loved his church, Beacon Baptist where he has held so many different duties over the years. He loved to teach kids about the Lord. The number of lives he has touched is unimaginable. If there was something going on at church he was there even when he wasn't able. He was a member of the church security team until he took on the role of media outreach for anyone that may need someone to talk to during live church service streams. James took great joy in sharing his knowledge of the Lord with others. James' hobbies were gardening, as Poppy would say he could do more from a wheelchair than most men could do with two good feet, watching the Reds play, watching hockey, fishing, crafting, bird watching with his many babies, road trips and was always ready for a good trip to the beach with his family. James enjoyed most of all showing up for his grandchildren's and nieces' activities whatever they may be and cheering them on. If you needed to know anything or needed help with homework you could go to "Uncle Bo". His mother-in-law might say he was a book of useless knowledge. James was preceded in death by his dad Frank "Sonny" King, who lovingly raised him as his own, and his brother Brian Atchison and wife Shirl. Left behind to mourn James' passing is his beloved wife, Sandra Townsley Thompson; his sons: Cody Thompson and wife Kara Beth and Cory Thompson and wife Stephanie; his mother, Janice Sears King; his father, Michael Richard Thompson; his brother, Chris King and wife Missy; his sister, Lisa Hensley and husband Mike, five cherished grandchildren: James Case and Miley Jo Thompson, Khilyn McKena and Kambdon Luke Thompson, and Michael Thompson-Smith. James' mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Lonnie Townsley, who treated him as their own; sister-in-law Londa Ledington that was more like a sister from day one, and husband Steven, his special nieces Kaylee Grace and Marlee Jenae Ledington, who he thought of more like granddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends to mourn his passing. All services for James will be held at Beacon Baptist Church. The Thompson family will receive friends Thursday, August 7, 2025, from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM, and Friday, August 8, 2025, from 10:00 AM until the funeral hour of 1:00 PM. Reverend Pat Chesnut will officiate, assisted by John Loudin and Charles Calloway. Music to be performed by Travis Carmack, Donna Calloway, Kara Beth Thompson, John White and Marlee Ledington. Interment will follow the funeral service in the Betty Frost Cemetery at Disappointment Hollow, Woolum, Kentucky. Pallbearers: Mike Hensley, Steven Ledington, Travis Carmack, Jamie Hubbard, Cory Thompson, Cody Thompson, Bobby Jones, and JP White. Honorary Pallbearers: Charles Calloway, John White, Gary Lambert, JW Loudin, and compassionate staff of Bluegrass Care Navigators Hospice. The Hopper family, Victoria Hopper and Sally Hopper, and the staff of Hopper Funeral Home: Mr. Robin Reese, Mrs. Lorena Blankenship, Mrs. Brenda Johnson, and Mr. Reid Brewer, express sincere condolences to the family and friends of James Michael Thompson. Hopper Funeral Home, established over 100 years ago, is entrusted with all services for James Michael Thompson.