Michael James "Mike" Thompson

Michael James “Mike” Thompson, 66, of Mattoon, IL passed away at 7:55 PM on Saturday, November 9, 2024 at Hilltop Nursing Home in Charleston, IL.

A Memorial services will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the Faith Fellowship Church and Mission in Hidalgo, IL. Pastor Noah Manship will officiate. Burial will be in the Humboldt Cemetery. The Edwards Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.

Mike was born on May 13, 1958 in Mattoon, IL. He was a son of James and Betty Rosaline (Davidson) Thompson. He married Phyllis Lee Brown on December 27, 1999 in Charleston, IL. She passed away on June 7, 2015.

He is survived by two children, Chris Thompson of Winchester, CA, and Jody Ryan and her husband Eric of Mattoon, IL, three grandchildren, Wade and Kaia Thompson and Kaelyn Ryan, his mother, Betty Thompson of Mattoon, IL, one brother, Terry Thompson and his wife Susan of Brownsburg, IN, a sister-in-law, Shari Thompson of Mattoon, IL, and good friends, Jack Strong of Mattoon, IL, and Donna Carver of Effingham, IL.

He was preceded in death by his father, James Thompson, his wife, Phyllis Thompson and one brother, Robert “Bob” Thompson.

Mike was a 1976 graduate of Cumberland High School. 

Mike began his career as a welder at Blaw-Knox in Mattoon, IL in 1979 and worked there until they closed in 2003.

Mike was 18 years old when he started racing stockcars. He raced stockcars most of his life, and having a need for speed he was always finding ways to improve the cars he drove. He raced mostly at the Charleston Speedway, but occasionally he would compete at other dirt tracks around the area. 

Being a stockcar driver himself made him a huge fan of NASCAR. He had many drivers he appreciated. He also enjoyed “Classic Rock” and was a big Lynyrd Skynyrd fan.

Memorials may be made to the Animal Shelter or Donor’s Choice.