James E. Thompson

COHOES James E. Thompson, 83, passed away peacefully Friday, February 13, 2026 at Samaritan Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Valleyfield, Quebec he was the son of the late James Ellis Thompson and Frances Parry Thompson. He moved to the United States in 1989 and settled in this area where he has resided ever since.

Jim was a self-employed entrepreneur who worked in various enterprises throughout his life. He was a member of the Polish American Association in Cohoes, the Cohoes Rod & Gun Club, the Vagabond Club in Green Island as well as many other fraternal organizations in the area. He could often be found socializing and bar-bantering with his many friends in the community.

He enjoyed boating, building things, volunteering, gardening and driving. However, Jim will be best remembered for the true "Joie de Vivre" with which he lived his life. Always young at heart, he thought nothing of hopping on a jet ski or challenging someone to a footrace even in his eighties. He loved to be doing things and lived for the moment.

He is survived by his loving children, Jason Thompson (Gina) of Waterford and Jennifer Dunford (Jason) of Ontario, Canada; by his beloved grandchildren, Patrick (Emily), Ben and Cameron; by his great grandchildren, Waylon and Paislee; and by his longtime companion, Donna Langley. He is also survived by his niece Kacey Thompson, who was like a daughter to him; by his former wife, Louise Taylor as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Peter and Robert Thompson.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Jim's family Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 2-5 p.m. at the Philip J. Brendese Funeral Home, 133 Broad St., Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to an event at which Jim volunteered every year, the Cohoes Rod & Gun Club's Annual Kids Fishing Contest (Cohoes Rod & Gun Club, 40 Lincoln Ave., Cohoes, NY 12047).