Jimmie Dayle Thompson
June 20, 1927 - June 9, 2016
Jimmie D. Thompson born June 20, 1927, died Thursday, June 9, 2016. Preceded in death by father L. L. Bob Thompson, mother Mildred Conway Thompson, then the tragic death of son Bart Thompson in the fall of 1984 and the love of his life Joyce "Ralphie" Ralston Thompson on October 23, 2012. Survived by children, Steve (Shirley) Thompson, Sheri (Jim) Harrell, Kent (Anne Valentine) Thompson and Vicki (Dan) Frobose; 11 grandchildren; 5.5 great grandchildren.
At New Lexington during his high school years he loved staying up late listening to big band broadcasts and battlefront news of WWII and built on his love of music playing in a dance band with school mates including dear friend Jerry McTeague. He was the ultimate bandsman playing in military bands during the war and after for the OSU Marching Band. He told stories of playing in the OSU Michigan Snow Bowl in 1950 and then tearing around town in a friends MG playing in the snow. He played in every TBDBITL alumni band reunion into his 80s to re-live the thrill of the band's ramp entrance into the Shoe.
Joyce first caught his eye at the Blue Bell in McConnelsville in his high school years but he didn't get to talk with her. They started dating while he was at OSU and she at Ohio University, reintroduced by a fraternity friend, and married in 1950. She was the love of his life and continued to comfort him after her death as he loved re-reading her letters from their years dating.
Dad, the 'all in' ultimate dad, coached all three sons little league baseball teams, then re-ignited Boy Scouting in New Lexington with Troop 212 and nurtured two sons to earn the Eagle rank. He helped Vicki, now a veterinarian, with her 4H animals and a horse in her 4th grade year. Dad was always there when we needed him though, even to console lifeguard Sheri when a swimmer at Lake Isabelle drown.
Jimmie D. played taps for the last time on Sunday of Memorial Day weekend - the last of hundreds he played for veterans from his high school years in the 40s.
Jimmie was a United States Army Veteran of WW II; member of John Tague Post #188, American Legion; First United Methodist Church; B.P.O.E. #509 and New Lexington Lodge #250, F&AM.
Calling hours will be held from 5-8 pm with American Legion service at 7:45 pm on Sunday, June 12, 2016 and from 1011 am on Monday, June 13, 2016 at the Roberts-Winegardner Funeral Home, 304 Mill Street, New Lexington, Ohio. Funeral service will be held at 11 am on Monday at the funeral home with Reverend Doug Widdowson officiating. Burial will be in New Lexington Cemetery with graveside military services by John Tague Post #188, American Legion, New Lexington, Ohio. The family will host a wake for Jimmie D. at 130 Highland Drive, New Lexington, Ohio after the burial.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Perry County Cancer Alliance, P.O. 724, New Lexington, Ohio 43764 or the Perry County Chapter of Alzheimer's Association, PO Box 171, New Lexington, Ohio 43764. A special thank you to care giver Kathy Shoults who looked after dad every morning and for mom before that.
Jimmie was a marching band member from 1947 through 1951. He played trumpet in B Row. In 1974, Jimmie was the first recipient of the "Elvin Donaldson Most Inspirational Alumnus" award.
