James R. Thompson

James R. Thompson, age 85, of Oakwood, passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at Miami Valley Hospital. He was born August 8, 1934 in Beaver, Ohio, the son of the late Benjamin and Bertha Thompson.

Jim grew up in Beaver, Ohio, and moved at a young age to Fairborn, where he graduated high school in 1952. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Spanish and French from Wittenberg University. He later received his Master's Degree in Education from The Ohio State University. Jim retired from Kettering City Schools after 33 years of dedicated service, which included teaching Spanish and French and serving as the head of the Foreign Language Department.

He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. Jim was a member of Corinth Presbyterian Church, where he and his wife, Nancy, were active members. Jim was an avid Reds and Buckeye fan.

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Nancy (Tavenner) Thompson; siblings, Bruce, Kenneth, Melvin, Benjamin and Ivan Thompson.

Jim is survived by his loving daughters, Cherie (Geoff) Thompson-Smith and Colette (Gerard Olinger) Stockum; grandchildren, Weston Smith, Mallory (Jordan) Jahn, Alex and Sophie Stockum, Brian and Joshua Olinger; great-grandchildren, Joey and Reed Jahn; siblings, Yvonne Singer, Damon and Dwight Thompson; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday, February 15, 2020 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of his Memorial Service at 11:00 a.m. at Corinth Presbyterian Church (4269 Corinth Blvd., Dayton, Ohio 45420). Lunch will be provided after the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org) or the Alzheimer's Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org).