James Thompson

1945 - 2025

Mr. James LeVaughn Thompson of Maben, MS passed away peacefully at his home on February 22, 2025, at the age of 80. James was born on January 12, 1945, to Conner Lee and Mary Spears Thompson of Zama, MS.

James grew up in Attala County but finished school at Louisville High School. After high school he found his way to New Orleans where he worked for about three years and lived with his sister Erma Murray before moving back to Attala County. This is when he met the love of his life on a blind date in October of 1967. He then married her in December of 1967. James and Helen spent 49 wonderful years together. Just one month shy of 50 before Helen gained her heavenly wings in November 2016.

James and Helen were blessed with one child, Leslie Thompson Norwood in October 1969. At the birth of their daughter James and Helen lived in Jackson, MS before moving to Starkville. This is where he started his forever job at Mississippi State University Campus Landscape for 30 years and retired at the age of 55.

James was a man of many names and passions. Whether you called him James, Von, LeVaughn, Bon, JT, Chief or Papaw he would always answer you with a smile on his face.

His passions were hunting, fishing, cooking what he caught and hunted, reading, spending time with his friends, going places (Mostly eating out), and most of all spending time with his family. He may have only had one biological child, but he had a multitude of people that he made feel like children, grandchildren, brothers, and sisters. He loved big and loved hard, all those he encountered, and that love was reciprocated. He was a devout Christian man that loved Center Grove Baptist Church and all those within it.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen; parents Conner and Mary Thompson; sister, Erma Murray and brother, Teddy Thompson.

He is survived by his only daughter, Leslie Norwood (Ken); 3 grandchildren, Kayla Schoolar (Max), Taylor Norwood (Callie), and Carson Norwood all of Maben, Ms. 5 great-grandchildren, Wesson Norwood, Carter Norwood, Everette Norwood, Bonner Norwood, and a baby boy, Kyson Schoolar to make his arrival in July; and one sister, Peggy Sue Slater of Kosciusko.

Visitation for Mr. Thompson is scheduled for Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 1:00-3:00 at Center Grove Baptist Church in Maben, Ms. Funeral will follow the visitation at 3:00 pm at Center Grove Baptist Church, conducted by Bro. Thad Moore and Bro. Don Parish. Burial will follow at Center Grove Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be; Taylor Norwood, Carson Norwood, Max Schoolar, Jamie Thompson, Austin Reed, and Caine Adams.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to CENTER GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH CEMETERY FUND 146 Center Grove Rd. Maben, Ms. 39750.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.