It is with great sadness that we share with you the passing of James Robert Thompson, 76, of King George known by most as “Jim” and to many as “Hoghead.”   Jim passed away February 7, 2022, after complications from surgery.  He was born in Maryland on January 29, 1946, to the late Robert Roy Thompson and Clara Virginia Williams.  When Jim was a young child, he was brought to his grandmother’s home in Spotsylvania to live.  Jim’s grandmother, Lucy Williams, accepted Jim into her home as if he was one of her own children, where she then raised and cared for him until adulthood.  Jim’s life was sometimes tough but that didn’t stop him from growing up and becoming a fine young man who would go on to change the lives of so many others.  Jim was known as “Jim Bob” among his family in Spotsylvania and will always be referred to as such.

Jim was employed in many occupations early in life but ultimately retired from the Navy Base at Dahlgren where he was an electrician.  After retiring Jim spent time working with a number of friends and business owners once again doing various jobs.  Jim’s final place of employment before “finalizing” his retirement was at Presidential Lakes in King George where he was a groundskeeper for several years.  Jim thoroughly enjoyed working at the lakes and was so happy to have the opportunity to work alongside his late brother-in-law Larry Thompson and his son Mike who helped them part time.  Jim and Larry worked and treated each other like brothers every day and were inseparable.  They frequently visited their favorite breakfast place together for a quick meal-to-go at the Hardees on Princess Anne Street whenever they needed supplies or equipment from town.  And on most days after work the two would meet at Jim’s house to share a cold beverage or two while listening to country music, talking about NASCAR, and just spending time together. 

Jim had met and become great friends with many people over the years.  Years ago, there were many days especially in the warm summer months when Jim would finish working and pick up his then young son Mike after school.  The two of them would spend the afternoon and sometimes into the evening hours traveling from one friend’s home or business to another just to socialize and catch up on what was going on.  Once in a while you might run across a friend even today that may suggest or possibly suspect that Jim may have only occasionally been known to stretch the truth during some of those conversations.  As far as Jim was concerned, however, he was probably just adding a bit of good information and humor to the conversation.  One thing he was always sure about and didn’t mind sharing with his friends was his observations about the weather.  Even though you may have watched or listened to the same weather forecast that he did, he was always going to clarify it for you which in most cases meant he was going to include a slight twist of his own to make it more interesting maybe, who knows.  He for some reason would always ask how cold it got last night at your house, or how hot it got over there yesterday, and let’s not forget maybe the most important question of all, how much rain did you get?  If you ever revealed an answer to him, he most certainly was going to tell you exactly what it was like at his house, in order to compare.  It didn’t matter if you lived a mile away or thirty miles away, most likely it was always colder or hotter at his house than it was at yours, and trust me you never got as much rain as he did; it was good for the garden.  And for goodness sakes, never share or talk about the gas prices, especially between the two Sheetz stores that are only a couple of miles apart from each other, unless you want to hear an earful.

Jim always enjoyed spending time with his friends and would offer his help to anyone who needed it.  He would sometimes talk as though he was tough but all that truly knew him would agree that he would give you the shirt off his back, and if you would give him just a minute he would go looking for a spare one for you as well.  Jim was truly a good man and was always there for everyone.  Some of his friends would often joke, don’t tell Jim you might need help with something next week, because he’ll show up today wanting to get started. Jim loved nothing more than being surrounded by his family and friends anytime he had the chance.  Jim especially loved his grandchildren and because of them became known as Pop-Pop.  

Jim enjoyed hunting and of course spending time with others during his many years as a member of the Machodoc Rod and Gun Club and then later the Northern Neck Sportsman’s Club.  Jim frequently served as the Chief Cook and Bottle Washer for both clubs and was known to start the day preparing for and cooking breakfast at about the same time as most people were turning over for their second nap.  It seemed as though he always needed to be the first to arrive on those cold winter mornings as he couldn’t wait for the fellowship to begin.  Not to say he might not occasionally cuss and complain a little throughout those days but trust me he loved each and every minute he was there with those guys.  

Jim also spent a great deal of his time gardening.  Jim recently became known to some friends as “The Stringbean Man” as he appeared to have become obsessed with growing and canning string beans.  Jim frequently worked in his garden for days on end growing vegetables, fighting off the deer and groundhogs, and finally harvesting in order to keep his canning operation alive.  Of course, Jim loved string beans himself but he mostly grew them and done all of this work so he could share them with his friends.  Jim loved to share vegetables from his garden with others and would frequently give his somewhat famous canned string beans away as Christmas gifts.

These words are only a small sample of the wonderful man whose life we will continue to celebrate.  Jim was a good man who was loved dearly and who will be greatly missed.  We will always love you and cherish all the great memories you leave behind.  We’ll also never forget you and all that you have done for us and taught us.  You will certainly remain in our thoughts every day and you will forever hold a place in our hearts.  Until we meet again my friend, I love you Dad.     

Survivors include Jim’s wife, Philomena Thompson; two sons, Joseph Gaborow and Michael Thompson (Danielle); three step-children, Charlotte Carroll (Patrick), William Polen, Jr., and Joseph Polen (Brooke); one sister, Sue Curtis; one brother, Calvin Lyles; and four grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at Storke Funeral Home, 11089 James Madison Parkway, King George, Virginia 22485, on February 16, 2022, from 5pm to 8pm.  If you plan to attend, please dress casually and come as you are; you know Dad would want it that way.  And In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial contribution in Jim’s name to King George Fire and Rescue.  Condolences may be left to the family at www.storkefuneralhome.com.