Jimmy Charles Thompson

Mountain Home, Arkansas - Jimmy was born May 1, 1938, in Smithville, MS, to Woodrow Kern and Glenna Martin Thompson. He passed away peacefully at his home in Mountain Home on March 8, 2017.
A quiet and gentle man, Jimmy enjoyed building and repairing things with his hands. He was known to help each of his children with household projects even when he visited them. Jimmy and his wife, Merle, raised their three children in Shreveport, Louisiana, where they lived for almost 50 years, later moving to Mountain Home, Arkansas in 2002. There Jim enjoyed gardening, birdwatching, and spending time with family. He is affectionately known as "Pawdaddy" to his grandchildren and great-grandchild, and will remain a selfless example of a caring and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend.
He took pride in being a Master Mason. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Mountain Home, Arkansas. He proudly served his Country in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves for twenty years. He also held Civil Service jobs, spending his last six years, before retirement, working at NASA in Houston, Texas.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Otis; and his grandson, Jason.
He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Merle Yvonne Thompson, of Mountain Home; daughters, Debbie Thompson Baskin, of Heflin, Louisiana, & Joni Thompson Rushing (Bob) of Greenwood, Louisiana; son, Gregory Alan Thompson of Aberdeen; grandchildren, Matthew Wade Rushing (Katie) of Keithville, Louisiana; Daniel Glenn Baskin (Melanie) of Bossier City, Louisiana; Laura Jean Baskin, of Fort Worth, TX; Melissa Yvonne Apodaca (Orlando) of Dallas, TX; great-granddaughter, Autumn Jade Baskin and numerous cousins.
He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, Air Force Reserves and Coast Guard Reserves for twenty years. He also worked in the industrial world and owned his own Machine Shop. Later, he held Civil Service jobs, spending his last six years, before retirement, working at NASA in Houston, TX.
His strength, spirit and faith during his long fight against cancer were an inspiration to all who knew him; he will be forever missed. A special thanks is given to his caring and supportive neighbors and friends.
His Graveside Service with Military Honors will be at 2:30 PM, Sunday, March 12 in Coontail Cemetery with Pastor Dennis Smithey officiating. Pallbearers will be Robert and Matthew Rushing; Daniel Baskin; Ricky Gillentine; Kenneth Archer; Billy K. Thompson.
Everyone is asked to meet at the cemetery at 2:20 PM.
Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or a charity of choice.
Memories and condolences may be shared with his family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.