James Joseph Thompson

James Thompson, 65, of North Haven, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family after an impressive 12 plus year battle with Multiple Myeloma which he handled positively every day. Born on October 13, 1960, in New Haven, he was the son of Bill and Shirley Thompson.

Jim lived a life that could best be described as simple - not because it lacked depth, but because he believed life itself was simple when you chose to do what was right. He would calmly and matter-of-factly remind others that life's choices are incredibly easy when you just do the right thing. He made it seem effortless.

Jim served honorably in the US Army Reserves as a Special Forces Engineer for 6 years and worked at Praxair Surface Technologies for 38 years. During those 38 years, Jim formed friendships that lasted a lifetime.

Jim was known by many for his signature "snap," loved watching the New York Yankees, going shooting with his son, grandson and friends, and had a lifelong appreciation for cars - most recently, his beloved Hellcat. He adored coaching his children in sports and he was always in the stands cheering not only for his own children but for their friends, many of whom he lovingly absorbed into his extended family. Above all, Jim's grandchildren were his heart, each with their own unique nicknames and traits that he treasured deeply.

Summers were especially dear to Jim. He cherished time spent in Narragansett, where he and his family made countless memories over the years. He was the maker of fresh clams, the buyer of Del's every beach day, the one who always had the kids' favorite snacks ready to go and put on the best fireworks display.

Above all, Jim was devoted to his family. He is survived by his high school sweetheart of 42 years, Cheryl Thompson, who was his moon and his stars; his children, Jennifer Darcy (Bryan) and James Thompson Jr.; his siblings, Bill Thompson (Sue), David Thompson (Kathy), Bryan Thompson, Kathleen Thompson; sister-in-law Cindy Gaudio (Steve) and his beloved grandchildren, Connor and Lorraine Thompson, and Cora and Brea Darcy, whom he proudly boasted were the four "best grandchildren ever."

Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Thompson.

His legacy of simplicity, integrity, and unwavering love for his family will live on in all who knew and loved him. He will be missed but never forgotten.

We would like to thank all of the nurses at Smilow Devine Street in North Haven for the kind and supportive care you provided Jim.

The visiting hours will be on Friday, March 6th from 4 to 6 PM in The Havens Family North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation by visiting www.themmrf.org