James Leon Thompson

James L. Thompson (Jim), 72, of Little Rock, passed away unexpectedly December 6, 2025. He was born in Oak Hill, West Virginia on November 29, 1953, to Paul and Wealthy Thompson, both now deceased.

Jim was predeceased by two sisters, Jean and Dorothy. He is survived by his brother Paul Thompson (Evea) of Garland, Texas, sisters Kathy Bowling and Gail Mockaitis (John) of Gainesville, Texas, and Gracie Ann Jackson (Billy) of Summersville, West Virginia; life partner Margaret (Meg) Dunn of Little Rock; daughter Kimberly Blatt (Josh) and grandsons Alec and Zachary Blatt of Lawrenceville, NJ; his four-legged daughter “Ms. Everest”, along with many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

For 30+ years, Jim was a sales rep in the food processing industry selling equipment and supplies to dairies, wineries, ice cream plants, bakeries, poultry and meat processing plants, etc. He took great pride in providing the highest level of personal service to his customers, always going above and beyond of what was expected. His clients knew they could call upon him any hour of the day or night (which they did) and he would resolve any issue or problem. Many of his business relationships developed into personal ones because of the decades long interaction Jim had with his customers.

Jim was above all a kind, decent, gentle, and generous man, ready to help anyone without the expectation of anything in return. His daughter would often refer to him as an “angel”, because of his selfless sacrifice to all he met. When his grandsons would ask him how he was doing, his response was always the same, “better than I deserve and luckier than most”. Many a neighbor could attest to Jim’s good heart and helpful nature. No doubt, Jim was guided by and relied upon his faith to lead him in his daily life.

Jim’s family was top priority. He was extremely proud of his many nieces, nephews and two grandsons and all their accomplishments, while marveling at their plans for the future. He loved sports, especially anything related to the University of West Virginia and the Hogs. Jim and Meg were excited to travel to Bristol, TN for several NASCAR races where they were able to get a first- hand “behind the scenes” look at how racing really works. He loved Gunsmoke and old Western movies, and enjoyed military history that he discussed at length with cousin Herman (and others).

He enjoyed a variety of music, but especially The Eagles and George Strait. Annual trips back home to West Virginia enabled him to recharge and spend quality time with family and old friends. To all who knew him, Jim will be missed! His absence tears at our hearts, but we know that one day we will be together again.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Humane Society of Pulaski County, 14600 Colonel Glenn Road, Little Rock, Arkansas 72210 (www.warmhearts.org), the Little Rock Animal Village, 4500 Kramer Street, Little Rock, Arkansas 72204 (www.friendsoftheanimalvillage.org), or a charity of your choice.

Smith Little Rock Funeral Home

8801 Knoedl Ct, Little Rock, AR 72205 501-224-2200

www.SmithFamilyCares.com