James Otis Thompson Sr.

James Otis Thompson Sr. , a cherished father, brother, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away on May 19, 2025, in Toledo, Ohio, after a long-term illness. He was 77 years old.

Born on November 21, 1947, in Florence, Alabama, James was a proud graduate of Burrell-Slater High School's Class of 1966. An exceptional athlete, he excelled as a member of the Varsity Basketball Team and a running back for the football team, achievements that later earned him an induction into the Burrell-Slater High School Athletic Hall of Fame. His passion for sports extended well beyond high school; he was a devoted, die-hard fan of the Buffalo Bills and the Alabama Crimson Tide, and was renowned for his epic Super Bowl parties.

After graduating, James moved to Buffalo, New York, where he raised his family with his wife, Louise. He worked for many years at General Mills in Buffalo, NY, before being transferred to Toledo, Ohio, in 1984. He continued his career there until his retirement in 2012.

James was known for his thoughtful and generous spirit, always willing to help out family and friends when needed. He found joy in simple pleasures: fishing, bowling, and listening to the blues. Above all, he cherished spending time with his family and friends. James was not only a devoted family man but also possessed a remarkable sense of humor, which he maintained even while bravely battling cancer for the past six years. One of his proudest moments was becoming a great-grandfather to Cambria, born in December 2021.

He was preceded in death by his devoted wife of 34 years, Louise Thompson, who passed away in 2003.

James leaves to cherish his memory his son, James (Pam) Thompson Jr. of Toledo, Ohio; his daughter, Sharee Thompson of Morrisville, North Carolina; his grandsons, Brevin (Tiffany) Thompson and Tristan Thompson, both of Toledo, Ohio; and his great-granddaughter, Cambria Thompson of Toledo, Ohio. He is also survived by his brothers, Dalton (Florida) Thompson of Harvest, Alabama, Leonard (Vivian) Thompson of Phoenix, Arizona, Steve Thompson of Tuscumbia, Alabama, Cedric Pride of Sheffield, Alabama, and Greg (Traci) Pride of Muscle Shoals, Alabama, Harrison (Janet) Johnson of Harvest, Alabama and Carlton (Brandi) Lewis of Atlanta, GA; his sisters, Lenora Pride of Tuscumbia, Alabama, and Regina (Daryl) Hawkins of Talbott, Tennessee and Tabace Burns of Knoxville, TN, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

A Gathering of friends and family will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 from 3:00-7:00 PM at the Newcomer Funeral Home, 4752 Heatherdowns Blvd., (SW Chapel) Toledo.

A graveside service service be held at Greenview Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 3657 Old Chisholm Rd, Florence Al 35663 on Saturday May 31st at 11am, visitation with family immediately following at the funeral home.