James Alfred Thompson

James Alfred Thompson, age 86, passed away at his home in Millington on Monday, May 23, 2022. During his working years, he was a maintenance mechanic for Grace Chemical, in charge of their rolling stock, and had also worked for Wonder Snack Foods, and the Army Corps of Engineers. Mr. James could do just about anything. He was a jack-of-all-trades and the go-to person if ever anyone needed help with engines, vehicle and home repairs, or anything that needed fixing. Once he set his mind to something, he was going to do it, whether he knew how or not. That was a lesson he instilled in his family as well. If he believed you could do it, you could do it – you just may have to learn as you go. Mr. James was an outstanding man, a loving husband and father, Pawpaw and Grandpaw, a true role model to those he loved. From helping raise his four younger siblings, to teaching his grandchildren valuable life skills such as swimming and trade work, he lived his life for his family. Lovingly referred to as a “wheeling and dealing junk man,” he would travel all over the south to attend auctions, with his grandson right beside him, showing him that hard work and skillful knowledge could carry you far in life. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Clara Mae Moore Thompson; two daughters, Conneye (Daniel) Albright and Donna (Charlie) Vandiver; one sister, Beverly Thompson (Ronnie) Goodman; 5 grandchildren, Nathan Albright, Benjamin Albright, William (Corie) Vandiver, Jacob (Anna) Vandiver, and Chuck Vandiver; 5 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, James “Anderson” and Lillian Bea Kee Thompson, and three brothers, Ray Thompson, Thomas Thompson, and Joe M. Thompson. A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 27, 2022 at 11:00 am in Quito Memorial Cemetery in Millington, Tn. There is no visitation planned. The family requests that memorial donations be made to the Tipton County Animal Shelter, in honor of Mr. James’ love for animals.