James Allen Thompson

James Allen Thompson

August 29, 1944 – July 17, 2023

James (Jim) Allen Thompson, 78, of La Junta, Colorado, passed away peacefully Monday, July 17, 2023 at the Crowley County Nursing Center in Ordway, Colorado. Jim had many other names he was lovingly know as: Jimmy, Dad, Papa and Grandpa.

Jim was the third child born in their Christian home to Albert and Margaret Alice (Belcher) Thompson on August 29, 1944, in Devils Lake, North Dakota. He would fondly reminisce about the wonderful memories of his childhood and growing up in North Dakota on the family farm. Jim graduated from Oberon High School in Oberon, North Dakota, in 1963. Following high school, he entered the military where he proudly served the country he loved in the United States Army for two years. He also served in the Army Reserves for one year. After his honorable discharge, Jim entered X-ray Technology School at the Q and R Clinic in Bismarck, North Dakota graduating in 1971. He went on to become registered in multiple specialties in the medical imaging field.

In 1967, Jim met the love of his life, Irene. They were married on June 15, 1968, and together raised four children: Nancy, Bobby, Allen and Dean. Most recently they celebrated 55 years of devoted marriage to each other. Jim loved his family with all of his heart and had a smile that could light up a room whenever he spoke of his children. One of Jim and Irene’s greatest joys was traveling near and far to support their 8 grandchildren and now 6 great grandchildren in their events and activities. The grandchildren and great grandchildren are grateful they had the privilege of growing up and knowing their Papa or Grandpa on a deeply personal basis.

Jim loved the Lord with all his heart for all of his life. He and Irene have been active, lifelong members of the Lutheran Church in whatever town they called home. He has been a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in La Junta, Colorado for 25+ years also serving as an elder. Jim has also been an active part of multiple Christian based men’s Bible study groups over the years and loves attending Cowboy Church every chance he can.

Jim’s professional career involved helping others through the medical imaging field. He received numerous certificates and training throughout his working life. Jim was also a member of multiple professional organizations that promoted and enhanced the medical imaging field. Most of his employment was in hospitals in Williston, North Dakota, and La Junta, Colorado. Jim and Irene did move around to several other states such as Alaska, Washington and Wyoming in between North Dakota and Colorado whilst raising their children. Throughout his career, Jim developed a passion for expectant mothers and loved supporting many endeavors at the Arkansas Valley Pregnancy Center in La Junta, Colorado.

The great outdoors was always a place you could find Jim. He loved Mother Nature and enjoyed exploring via hunting, fishing, birding, 4-wheeling and photography. Many of Jim’s family and friends are so blessed to have photographs he took in their homes and businesses. He loved photography and sharing his talent with others. Due to his love for the outdoors, Jim was a member of several natural conservation organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Colorado Bowhunters Association, National Rifle Association and the Bent’s Fort Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association.

Outside of work and in their free time, Jim and Irene enjoyed traveling thousands of miles in their pickup camper on extended outdoor trips. They met many friends while traveling and many of us know that Jim does not know a stranger for very long. He has always been friendly, approachable, quick to infectious laughter and easy to carry a conversation with about pretty much anything as he was quite the story teller.

Due to his military service, Jim proudly served as an active member of the American Legion for 57+ years and most recently at Post 9 of La Junta, Colorado. While serving in La Junta, he was also actively involved as the Past Senior Vice Commander and in the Color Guard where he attended many ceremonies that requested Color Guard members.

He is survived by his loving wife, Irene; children: Nancy (Bruce) Beiswanger of Sidney, Montana; Bobby (Connie) Kleese of Brookings, Oregon; Allen (Deanna) Thompson of Pagosa Springs, Colorado; and Dean (Amber) Thompson of Wiley, Colorado; grandchildren, Jeff (Kelsey) Beiswanger, Craig (Georgia) Beiswanger, Ben Kleese, Andrew Kleese, Hunter Thompson, Morgan Thompson, Maddie Thompson and Brooke Thompson; great-grandchildren, Tatum, Caysen, Grace Beiswanger & Maura, Sylvia and Theo Beiswanger; sister, Virgina (George) Reisnaur and brother Charles Thompson; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Margaret. --Honorary pallbearers: Bruce Beiswanger, Bud Gawerecki, Scott Grover, Bobby Kleese, Garvin Muri, Pete Petersen, Brad Putzer, Jerry Putzer, and Hunter Thompson.

Family, friends and others whose lives Jim touched are invited to join us for a Celebration of Life, on Friday, July 28, 2023 at the Trinity Lutheran Church in La Junta, Colorado at 11:00 a.m. to remember, grieve, laugh, and support one another.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arkansas Valley Pregnancy Center or the Arkansas Valley Hospice (www.arkvalleyhospice.org) both in La Junta, or through the funeral home.

Final resting place will be at the North Dakota Veterans Cemetery in Mandan, North Dakota.

Online condolences may be made at www.peacockFH.com. Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.