James (though he preferred to be called Jim) passed away at a local hospital on January 22, 2026. Jim didn't just live—he taught us how to live. He inspired everyone around him to believe in themselves. Jim was born on January 21, 1950, in Pasadena, California, to Leon and Marie Thompson. He enjoyed his youth playing water polo at his high school and working as a young teenager at Wienerschnitzel. Jim joined the Navy at the age of seventeen and served in Vietnam. He often took risks that others might shy away from. Jim married Evelyn Remery in August of 1982; they had a Vegas wedding. This tells you all you need to know about Jim—he was all about fun and having a good time. In 2005 they moved from California to Idaho. Here he enjoyed going to the monster truck shows, Meridian Speedway, or Firebird races with his son. Jim was a champion of kindness. He believed that encouragement could change life. Before passing away, Jim was a resident of a local care facility where you would often find him encouraging other residents, having heartfelt conversations with his daughter-in-law, or sharing a good laugh with his grandkids. Jim leaves behind family, friends, and so many others who deeply cared about him. Jim would want to remind us that we need to stand up for what we believe, live boldly, love deeply, and never stop chasing the life you dream of.