James Lorne Thompson
James (Jim) Lorne Thompson of Kemptville passed away on Oct. 4, 2002 at the Winchester District Memorial Hospital at the age of 71 years.
He made a personal decision to enter hospital several days before his passing, but up until that time he continued to maintain an active lifestyle and enjoy the company of friends and family, at the home he shared with his wife Lois in the village of Heckston.
He was born in Ottawa on Jan. 17, 1931, the son of the late Kenneth and Clara (nee Bennett) Thompson. He was the loved husband of Lois (nee Dillabaugh) whom he married on Sept. 1, 1956.
Mr. Thompson was the father of Barry (Joanne) and Garry (Angie), grandpa to Byrn and Dylan, all of Heckston. He was brother to Don (Clara), Ray (Ruth), Phyllis Theriault (Cliff), Linda Moore (Doug), Lois Simpson (Bob), and brother-in-law to Trevor Dillabaugh. He was pre-deceased by sister Dorothea.
He began his school years in a one-room school house in Heckston, moving on to Kemptville for high school. After graduating from high school he worked on the family farm.
In 1961 he made the decision to try something new and purchased a school bus from Angus McCrea. Farming and school bus driving would be his life until a farming accident in 1966 resulted in the loss of his right hand. Aware that farming would prove to be more difficult, he chose to focus his energy on busing children to and from school. It was a decision that would prove fruitful for him, and over the next 35 years, with the help of Lois, the business would grow to include 50 school buses and two depots: Thompson Bus Lines in Kemptville and Dundas Bus Service in Iroquois.
The love of farming was still in his blood and as he began to distance himself from busing as the years progressed, he shifted his attention to helping his sons operate and expand the family farm. With more time at his disposal, he was able to pursue a personal interest, that of attending antique steam and equipment shows.
Even after being diagnosed with lung cancer in 1999, Mr. Thompson continued to play a major role within the family farm operation, the specifics of his jobs changing as his health dictated, but never keeping him from remaining an active participant until shortly before his death.
Visitation was held at the Grant Brown Funeral Home, Rolston Chapel in Kemptville Oct. 6-7. A Masonic service was held on Oct. 7.
The funeral service was held on Oct. 8 with Rev. Sterling Irvine officiating. Soloist Nora Whaley was accompanied by organist Marjorie Patterson. Interment followed at South Gower Cemetery. Pallbearers were Russ Baker, Bill Albers, Bill Shaver, Gord Weedmark, John Palmer and Ralph Stacey.