James D. Thompson, 86, died at Clare Bridge of Kenosha on Thursday, August 16, 2007. He was born in Bellevue, PA on Nov. 18, 1920, the son of the late Charles and Mary (nee: McTeague) Thompson. Mr. Thompson was raised in Bradford, PA, lived in Waukegan, IL from 1961 until 1984, and in Racine, WI from 1984 until 2004 when he moved to Kenosha, WI. On October 19, 1951, he married the former Elsie “Dottie” Dreher in Washington, D.C. She preceded him in death on June 3, 1983. Mr. Thompson served his country with the U.S. Navy from 1941 until 1962, including WWII and Korea. He continued to work as a civilian employee for the Navy Public Works Center at Great Lakes Naval Station, retiring in January of 1982. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, Major League Baseball, dancing and socializing with friends and family. He was a member of Living Faith United Methodist Church in Waukegan, Fleet Reserve Association-Great Lakes Branch #53, Navy Club #60 of Racine, American Legion Post #310 of Racine, the V.F.W. Post #1391 of Racine, the Salvation Army B&B Club, the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, Interfaith Singles Club of Racine, Loyal Order of the Moose #286, Wisconsin Military Retired Alliance, and the Friends of Seniors Inc. of Racine. Surviving are his children, David (Diana) Thompson, of Antioch, IL, Elaine (Ken) Harju of Gurnee, IL; grandchildren, Willie Harju, Maggie Harju, both of Gurnee IL, and Chris (Stacey) Theis of New Braunfels, TX; great-grandchildren; his twin brother, Chuck (Jane) Thompson of Bradford, PA; sisters, Sally (Floyd) Raeon of Ft. Myers, FL, Betty Schoonmaker of Gilford, NH; special friend and companion, Helen Brien of Racine as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents and his beloved wife, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by his sister Marilyn Horne. His life and funeral service will be celebrated on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. in Living Faith United Methodist Church, 414 N. McAree Waukegan, IL with Rev. Melissa Earley officiating. Visitation will be in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home (corner of Hwy KR and 22nd Ave.) on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and in the church on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow in Highland Memorial Park, Gurnee, IL. Memorials have been suggested to either Hospice Alliance of Kenosha or your favorite charity.
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