James Edward Thompson

James Edward Thompson, 83, of Roanoke, Va., formerly of Rainelle, W.Va., passed away Friday, July 16, 2010. He is preceded in death by his parents, Rosa Bell Thompson, and Charles Edward Thompson; and son, Rodney Edward Thompson. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Virginia Ruth Ellis Thompson; son, Kendall A. Thompson and wife, Jane Wilson Thompson; daughter, Francine T. Burgess and husband, Stephen W. Burgess; grandsons, M. Scott Burgess and wife, Stephanie, of Red Cliff, Colo., and James W. Burgess and wife, Emelyn, of East Windsor, N.J.; and granddaughters, Alanna K. Thompson, and Kelsey E. Thompson, of Roanoke. He served in the United States Army and is a veteran of WWII. Jim and Virginia lived until recently in Rainelle, W.Va., where he was store manager for the Kroger Company for 33 years. He received the Barney H. Kroger Award for Outstanding Community Service from the Mid-Atlantic Marketing Area in 1979. Jim and Virginia were a team, helping each other in various community activities. He served faithfully as an active supporter of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, and was a member of the Rainelle Lions Club, serving in most of its offices; he particularly enjoyed serving as "Tail Twister". He loved to cook, using his talents for Lion's Club Pancake Days and annual family steak cookouts. Jim was devoted to his family and friends and loved them all dearly. He will be remembered for his keen sense of humor and a habit of always leading by example. In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Rodney E. Thompson Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Francine T. Burgess, 5806 Apple Harvest Dr., Roanoke, Va. 24012 or to the Rainelle United Methodist Church, Rainelle, W.Va. A celebration of Jim's life will be conducted at the Rainelle United Methodist Church in Rainelle, W.Va., at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 21, 2010, with Pastors Ronnie Morris, and Stanley Clark officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence, 5408 Stayman Dr., (Huntridge Grove), Roanoke, Va. 24012 on Monday, July 19, 2010, afternoon and evening. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rainelle United Methodist Church, Rainelle, W.Va., and also one hour prior to the service. Arrangements by Smathers Funeral Chapel, Rainelle, W.Va.