William James Thompson

Bill was born in Homer, Illinois. His parents were James Thompson and Dorothy Madge (Brown). He attended St. Joseph schools as a young man and enjoyed playing basketball. His grade school basketball team took first place in state. He also enjoyed fishing the rivers and fixing anything that needed repairing. He enlisted in the Army in October of 1950. He was stationed in Jersey City, New Jersey and worked in the motor pool repairing vehicles and training service men to drive Willy's Jeeps and the large 4-ton cargo trucks. He worked at the University of Illinois in maintenance, a sawmill in Eugene, Oregon and was a member of the Carpenter's Local in Vermilion County.

For many years he resided in (Missionfield) outside of Oakwood, Illinois with his wife Arleigh (Engelman), she survives. They celebrated 75 years of marriage on October 1st of this year. They were married in Boswell, Indiana in 1948. They had six children (five surviving). Arah Thompson (Ray) of Urbana, Priscilla Hobbs (Mick) of Sidell, Janice Heath (Greg) of Danville, Bruce Thompson of Fithian and Mary Lou (Steve) of Fithian. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his mother and father, James amd Madge, his sister Norma Jean Clark, his brother Paul Dean Thompson, son James Chester Thompson and daughter-in-law Stacy Jo Thompson.

Bill enjoyed spending time with his wife. They loved fishing, camping, hunting and cooking chili for his nieces and nephews upon request. He also loved spending time his sons Jim and Bruce and hanging out in his garage with his grandsons telling stories. The door was always open for the many family members and friends dropping in to visit.

Per Bill;s request - graveside rites will be Friday November 10th, 2023 at the Oakwood Cemetery in Oakwood, Illinois at 10:00 a.m.

YOU SHOULD HAVE SEEN IT IN COLOR.

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