Jerry and Linda Butler

James "Jim" Marion Thompson

James "Jim" Marion Thompson, age 61 of Jackson, TN, died Saturday, June 9, 2012 at Vanderbilt University Hospital. Jim fought a long battle with heart failure.

Jim was born February 27, 1951 in Humboldt, TN to Faucett and Pauline Thompson. He attended Peabody High School in Trenton, TN. Jim began his career in farming right out of high school, and then started an insurance agency in Trenton, TN. He moved the insurance agency to Jackson in 1992 and grew a successful business. He merged with Roger Smith in 1998. Upon semi-retirement, Jim ventured into the cattle market. His first love was farming and livestock.

Jim enjoyed life to the fullest. He was a cowboy through and through, even making the "Duke" his hero. He was a great husband, father, grandfather, and friend to many.

Jim was a member of the International Risk Management Institute, Jackson Area Homebuilders Association, and the Associated Builders and Contractors. Jim served on the Board of Directors at the Bank of Commerce in Trenton, TN, President and Board of Directors of North Gibson County Chamber of Commerce, Secretary of the City of Trenton Industrial Board/Health Education and Facility Board, Alderman of the City of Trenton, North Gibson County Person of the Year, Madison County 911 Board, and the West Tennessee Seismic Safety Commission. In his dedication to political matters, he became an active member of the Election Commission in Jackson, TN.

He is survived by his wife, Sherry Thompson of Jackson; son, Chuck (Sharyn) Thompson of Jackson; daughter, Kari Alexander of Trenton; stepson, Daniel (Jill) Butler of Jackson; brother, Jerry (Glynda) Thompson of Jackson; sister, Jane (Wade) Thompson of Trenton, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by 4 grandchildren, Katie Choate and Courtney Alexander of Trenton, Luke and Sam Thompson of Jackson, as well as his grandson, Wes, expected in July.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Faucett & Pauline Thompson.

Funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at 2 p.m., at George A. Smith & Sons Funeral Home (North Chapel). Burial will be held at Brown's Church Cemetery on McLeary Road in Jackson, TN immediately following the service.

Pallbearers will be Gary Christian, Lee Godfrey, Jimmy Harris, Charles Markham, Terry Milligan and Roger Smith. Honorary Pallbearers will be Diane Ford, Jack Hornsby, Mike Long, Robert Kinton, Tommy Scarborough, Jimmy Wallace, Carl Wyatt and Pat Zarecor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider becoming an organ donor or donate to The Dream Center, Jackson, in honor of Jim Thompson.

"Courage is being scared…but saddling up anyway."…John Wayne

George A. Smith & Sons North Chapel, (731) 427-5555.