James F. Thompson's Obituary
James Franklin Thompson, age 87, was born in Tacoma, Washington on June 22, 1929, to Archie and Margaret (Peggy Harkness) Thompson. Jim grew up in South Tacoma with his sister Margaret (Ilene) Atkinson. Jim graduated from Lincoln High School and served in the Marines in Oahu, Hawaii during the Korean War.
He met his true love, Barbara Walker, through his friend Larry Walker and they married on September 20, 1952. They were blessed with one son Larry (Linda) Thompson, and one daughter Julie (Bob) Short. They have six grandchildren, Brian Thompson, Cally (Brandon) Huston, Shannon (Eric) Peterson, Kate Day (Josh Babcock), Amy (Patrick) Teaford, and Amber (Matt) Elbon. They have seven great grandchildren, Lucy, Noble, Forrest, Alanna, Erica, Payton and Michael.
Jim worked at the family business, Harkness Furniture, for 43 years. He also invested in and developed real estate properties. He loved being in the outdoors hunting, fishing, and clearing property and being in the woods. Jim said that being in the woods in God’s creation was where he felt closest to God. That was his church. Jim and Barb enjoyed spending time at their ocean property in Westport.
Jim passed away peacefully at home on February 25, 2017, due to a heart condition and prostate cancer. He often said he had a good long life, and after the passing of his wife Barbara on February 22, 2017, he was ready to go to his heavenly home and be with Barb again. Jim and Barb were married 64 years and are together forever.
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