James B. Thompson

1930 - 2021

James B. Thompson
May 28, 2021
Carmichael, California - On May 28, 2021, a great man and sadly the end of an era, departed this life on a journey to find eternal rest.
James B. Thompson was born in the sleepy midwestern town of Independence, Kansas in 1930. Parents, James and Alphalee Thompson, moved their family with children Jim, Tom, and Bernard to California when he was just six years old. Jim would spend all but ten years of his life in California. Raised in Modesto, California, Jim attended Modesto High School, Modesto Junior College, and later Hastings College of Law. Admitted to the California State Bar in 1953, Jim served as a research attorney for the Third District Court of Appeals, leading him to serve his country as a Judge Advocate General in the United States Army beginning in 1954 as a First Lieutenant. That same year he married the love of his life, Patricia Bender. Jim and Pat would share so many memories in their 59 years of marriage, raising five children and nine grandchildren. Jim was honorably discharged from the Army in 1957.
Upon discharge from the Army, Jim and Pat moved back to California where he founded and became a managing partner of Skirving, Thompson, & Fennell, Attorneys at Law until 1983. In August 1962 Jim met Fred Anderson, owner of Anderson Lumber (which would eventually be known as Pacific Coast Building Products – PCBP). What was thought to be a casual introduction, as Fred was "in between attorneys," became a long-lasting relationship between Jim and Fred built on trust and admiration, lasting until Fred's death in 1997. Jim's legal area of expertise was well known in matters such as construction, mechanics liens, mergers, acquisitions, estate planning, and real estate. In 1977 Jim was asked to become a member of the Pacific Coast Building Products Board of Directors. Not soon after Fred's death in 1997, Jim was elected Chairman of the Board of Pacific Coast Building Products.
Jim's time as a real estate, business, and probate attorney for almost 64 years was just a fraction of his dedication to his community. Throughout his life, Jim was a devoted member of the Carmichael Rotary representing District 519 as the Conference Secretary, Club Director, volunteering on countless committees, and ultimately, serving as the District Governor from 1989-1990. In 1988, Jim was named Rotary Man of the Year. Jim (and Pat's) contributions helped countless needy families in the community. Jim's impact on his community was vast, donating his time as a Scoutmaster, a Cub-Scout Commissioner, President of the Carmichael Chamber of Commerce, a founding member of the Carmichael Elks Lodge, a volunteer Arbitration Hearing Officer for Sacramento County Superior Court, President of the Kyburz Water Company, a Search and Rescue Pilot for the Sacramento County Sheriff's Air Squadron, and a Sacramento County Air Pollution Hearing Officer.
Jim's open passion for community and worldwide service would eventually take them to China for a round of Rotary meetings. This meeting would coincide with the unforgettable encounter at Tiananmen Square; Pat and Jim found themselves at the edge of the square. Due to the potential danger, their trip was cut short. Jim and Pat gathered their belongings to head back to California to remain out of harm's way. For a man who spent so much time serving his community and business, how did Jim find the time to unwind? The answer – he tended to his beloved wife, Pat. They traveled the country and the world together; a second home in Kauai, Hawaii and a cabin they built in Kyburz, California. They could be often found roaming across Lake Tahoe in their wooden boat named the "Patricia Lee." Jim's garden was something for others to envy and enjoy (the fruits of his labor) growing tomatoes and corn, all the while making knives, raising cows, raising and caring for horses – all on their two-acre property in Carmichael. In addition to these hobbies at their home, Jim enjoyed flying airplanes, fishing in Alaska and Montana and in Carpenter Valley.
Yet, what Jim loved being most – a loving husband, dad, and poppa. Jim loved to spend time with his family on their annual trip to Santa Cruz, Sunday night dinners, and spending the end of the day on the farm in the pool with his family. Christmas was never short of anything but magical at the Thompson house. All of these things that Pat and Jim loved so much, continue even to today.
Jim was truly a renaissance man, but his true love was Patty, their children, their grandchildren, and their great grandchildren. While he is no longer here, he left us with the greatest gift of all – to love and take care of one another and to be kind.
Jim was preceded into death by his wife, Patricia Thompson, Corinne Thompson (daughter), Bernard Thompson (brother), and James and Alphalee Thompson (parents). Jim is survived by his daughters, Barbara Berry (Tim), Denise Schedler (Mike) and Renee Thompson, and his son Mark Thompson. Jim leaves his legacy with his grandchildren Chris Berry (Erin), Greg Thompson, Mike Berry (Katie), Kim Berry-Lantz (Matt), Lisa Patton, Kaylene Patton, Mitchell Thompson, Nicole Thompson, and Sarah Schedler and his great-grandchildren Blake Berry, Levi Berry, Brooks Berry, Kinslee Lantz, June Berry, Graham Berry, Rylee Lantz, Finlee Lantz, and Georgia Berry. Jim is also survived by his brother Tom Thompson, nephews Jeff and Tyler Thompson, and niece Jenny Thompson.
A military service was held privately by the family on June 17, 2021. The family suggests that any remembrances be sent to Easter Seals Superior California at Sacramento, the Rotary Foundation in Evanston, Illinois, Shriners Children's Hospital – Sacramento, or a charity of choice.