Jim W. Thompson

James “Jim” W. Thompson, 58, of New Philadelphia, died Monday morning, December 6, 2004, in his home surrounded by his family.Born December 26, 1945, in Wheeling, WV, he was the son of the late Lewis A. and Betty R. (Ring) Thompson. After graduating from Mount Pleasant High School in 1964, Jim continued his formal education at West Liberty State College where he received a bachelor’s degree in education and was a member of the Lamda Chi Alpha fraternity. He then received his master’s degree in education administration from the University of Dayton.Throughout his professional career, Jim was known as both ethical and fair. He had a passion for children and athletics which led him to a career as a teacher, an athletic director, and a coach. During his 33 years in education, Jim was the director of athletics for Conotton Valley, New Philadelphia, and Sandy Valley Schools. He also was a head varsity basketball coach and teacher at Conotton Valley and New Philadelphia High Schools. For numerous years, he shared his talents with the OHSAA as the basketball tournament director. In recognition of his outstanding service, he was inducted into the Ohio High School Athletic Directors Hall of Fame. When Jim’s coaching career concluded, he could be found courtside working for WJER Sports as a high school basketball color analyst. When Jim was not at an athletic event, he was occupied with one of his many hobbies including woodworking, fishing, boating, golfing, or riding his motorcycle with the Nitro Angels group. He was also a faithful member of Broadway United Methodist Church, serving on numerous committees, and a longtime member of the New Philadelphia Masonic Lodge # 177 of the F. & A. M.In addition to his wife, Sheryl E. Thompson with whom he celebrated 36 years of marriage, Jim is survived by three children, Patty (Blake) Langland of Columbia, South Carolina, Amy (Trevor) Burrier of Dover, and J.D. (Brandi) Thompson of Fairborn, Ohio. He will also be greatly missed by his grandchildren, Tyler and Katie Burrier, Paxton Langland, and Ella Thompson; three brothers, Rich (Emmy) Thompson of Lake Wales, Florida, Mark (Joanie) Thompson of Gainesville, Florida, and Curt (Phyllis) Thompson of Arlington, Virginia; his father and mother-in-law, Marion and Marjory Spragg; a sister-in-law, Janet (Kelly) Adams of Massillon; and numerous nieces and nephews.Visitation will be held in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home on Thursday, December 9, 2004 from 3 to 8 p.m. where members of New Philadelphia Lodge # 177 of the F. & A. M. will convene a lodge of sorrow at 7:45. Visitation will also be held on Friday at Broadway United Methodist Church from 10 to 10:45 p.m. A service to celebrate Jim’s life will be held immediately after visitation on Friday beginning at 11 a.m. in the church with Rev. William A. Sowers officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held in the church. Burial will be at Shortcreek Cemetery in Mt. Pleasant, Ohio, at 3:30 p.m. on Friday.In memory of Jim, his family requests that contributions be made to any of the following organizations: Broadway United Methodist Church, 120 Church St. SE, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 201 W. Third St., Dover, OH 44622, The Quaker Foundation (Jim Thompson Basketball Scholarship), 343 Ray Ave. NW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663, Sandy Valley Athletic Department, 5362 St. Rt. 183 NE, Magnolia, OH 44643, or American Cancer Society, Hope Lodge, 11432 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland, OH 44106