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James C. “Sam” Thompson, Sr., age 92, of Holshouser Road, Rockwell, NC, passed peacefully while surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 12, 2012 at the WG “Bill” Hefner VA Medical Center in Salisbury, NC.
Sam was born in Stanly County, NC on July 22, 1919 to the late Jasper R. Thompson and Mary Ethel Cranford Thompson. He grew up in Albemarle and, after high school graduation, joined the US Coast Guard. During this time, he met Julia “June” Ruth Fesperman of Rockwell. They married on October 15, 1944 and embarked on adventures during their sixty-year marriage.
Dedicated to the service of his country, Sam chose a military career that spanned several decades. He served briefly in the US Coast Guard and then spent many more years in the US Navy. He served in World War II, the Korean War, Vietnam prior to the Vietnam War, and the Mediterranean during the “Cold War” period. His assignments included service on a submarine, the USS Red Fish, and three destroyer ships, USS Tingey, USS J C Owens, and USS Noa. He retired from the Navy in 1962.
Sam and June raised three children and were stationed in a variety of places, including San Diego, Long Beach, and Mare Island, CA; Washington, DC; Guantanamo Bay, Cuba; New London, CT; Norfolk, VA; Green Cove Springs, FL; and Charleston, SC. After retirement, they returned to Rockwell and built a home on the family farm. He worked at John’s Tavern on Stokes Ferry Road until retiring again.
Sam was a proud Life Member of the NRA and was also active in establishing the Rockwell VFW Post 9134 where he was Commander and Life Member. Cooking was a passion of his, evident even while residing at the VA Medical Center, Building 42, Community Living Center during the last two years. He leaves behind many wonderful friends among the staff and residents at the VA Center.
He was preceded in death by his wife, June Thompson; his infant daughter, Sandra Gail Thompson; granddaughter Susan Madden of Alaska, and sister Ruby Thompson Troutman of Albemarle, NC.
Sam will be greatly missed by family and friends. Family members left to cherish his memory are: son Jim Thompson (Jan) of Encinitas, CA; daughter Patti Thompson Odin (Mike) of Eagle River, Alaska; son Steve Thompson (Tatiana) of Rockwell, NC and niece Beckie Hammill Loflin (Doug) of Mooresville, NC. Grandchildren are Richard Thompson of Ventura, CA; Debbie Thompson Isherwood of Surprise, AZ; Travis Madden of Eagle River, Alaska; Katie Madden of Eagle River, Alaska; and Shane Loflin of Charlotte, NC. Sam had the joy of being “Grandpa Sam” to eight great-grandchildren. He leaves two sisters: Kathleen Swaringen of Porter, NC and Mildred Smith of St. Petersburg, FL.
Family and friends will be invited to gather for Sam’s memorial later in the fall at which time he will be interned with full military honors at the National Cemetery, Salisbury VAMC.
Memorial gifts in James Thompson’s name may be sent to: VAVS, Salisbury VA Medical Center, 1601 Brenner Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144, account #9136.
Carolina Cremation of Salisbury, North Carolina is assisting the Thompson Family. Online condolences may be made at www.mycarolinacremation.com.
Patrick Householder says
On behalf the USS Redfish Assn, we express our condolences to the family at the passing of our shipmate, Sam.
Sailor, rest your oar…
Glenda Carter Trexler says
I am sorry for your loss. I knew Sam through my Dad, Jack Carter. They met through the VFW and soon became friends. May God bless you during this time and wonderful memories sustain you.
Connie Yost Brown says
To the Thompson Family,
We wish to express our deepest sympathy to your family. Mother and I were talking last night after we read the obituary, how our lives have crossed paths so many times.
We have many pleasant memories from the “good old Navy days.” And also after we and you family retired to North Carolina.
Just know you are in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Georgia “Bobbie” Yost
Connie Yost Brown
Billie Jo Yost Schweitzer
Mike Yost
Kerry Smith Hajner says
Uncle Sam, I will always remember your wonderful personality and entertaining stories of all your adventures. You kept many people on their toes. 🙂 Growing up while on vacations in NC it was always fun coming to visit you and Aunt June in Rockwell and also at your work at John’s. Having a son who is also planning on a long Navy career was something you always wanted to hear about and he loved that you kept a picture of him in your room at VA. We will miss you so very much but know you are happy in heaven with June and Ma and Pa. I Love you Uncle Sam. RIP.
Jim, Steve and Patty, my love, thoughts and prayers are with you all. I hope to see you in the fall.
Larry (Snake) & Betty Fesperman says
Jim, Patty & Steve,
We are to hear of your Dad*s passing, we will forever remember him & June and all the family, May God bless you all at this such a sad time in your lives.
Snake & Betty Fesperman