James E. Thompson, 90, of Kendall passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, July 31, 2025. He was born Aug. 7, 1934, to William and Laura (Ormson) Thompson at a family home in Juneau County, Wis. He attended Kendall High School, graduating in 1952.
Jim proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army. Jim was in the Army for three years, from January 1955 to January 1958. He had basic training at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo., and went to Transportation School at Fort Story, Va., where he became an Amphibious Vehicle driver. He served as both a Harbor Craft Boatswain and Deckhand. Jim also served at Fort Eustis, Va., and above the Arctic Circle in Alaska and Canada, where he piloted Landing Vehicle Tracked (LVT) unloading fuel and other petroleum products from ships. During this mission, Jim saw many polar bears, musk oxen, walrus and seals. He often shared the story of the snowstorm that occurred on Aug. 7, his birthday, and how when his ship got stuck in the ice, an Ice Breaker had to come to their rescue and towed them free.
On April 18, 1959, Jim was united in marriage to Donna F. Wardwell at Fountain Lutheran Church. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage together before her passing in 2014. For the majority of Jim’s life, he worked as a firefighter at Fort McCoy, retiring as assistant fire chief. He was a member of the Kendall American Legion and a lifelong member of Fountain Lutheran Church, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. In his free time, Jim was an avid fisherman, enjoying all types of fish as well as hunting.
He is survived by his son, Robin of Kendall; his siblings, Brian (Elaine) Thompson of Elroy, Richard (Judah) Thompson of Tomah, Joan Pasch of Kendall and Mary (David) Weber of Webster, S.D.; and his sister-in-law, Donna Thompson of Zephyrhills, Fla. He is further survived by numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Donna; his siblings, Carl Thompson, Lyle Thompson and Beverly Hensel; his brothers-in-law, Gilbert Pasch and Fred Hensel; and his sisters-in-law, Julie Thompson and Clara Thompson.
A graveside service and celebration of life will be announced at a later date.
The Smith Nelson/Sonnenburg Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences can be offered by visiting www.sonnenburgfamilyfh.com.
