James "Jim" Lee Thompson

James "Jim" Lee Thompson, 64, known affectionately to many in the community as "Coach", passed away Sunday (April 2, 2023) at the Morrison House, Zanesville.

He was born January 6, 1959, in Sistersville WV, son of Norma (Blair) Thompson and the late Fred Thompson.

Jim was employed by the Cambridge City Schools for many years.  He helped with the Cambridge City Schools Track program, with shot put and disc being his specialties.  He also was a coach for the Vikings in the Biddy Football league.  Jim founded a youth basketball league for girls in Cambridge several years ago.

He was a fan of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the West Virginia University Mountaineers.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his wife, Susan (Gould) Thompson, who passed away in 2000; and his longtime companion, Becky Callihan.

Jim is survived by his mother, Norma Thompson of West Virginia; two daughters, Maria (Kit) Sutor of Columbia SC and Mindy (Aaron) Huffman of Hartville MO; the children of Becky: Matt (Wendy) and Mark; a brother, John (Charlotte) Thompson of West Virginia; a sister, Cheryl (Bubby) Davis of North Carolina; seven grandchildren, Hailey, Abby, Brooke, Christian, Layla, Taylor, and Dakota; the grandchildren of Becky: Alex, Callie, and Mackenzie; a great-grandchild, Kingston; his special friends, Albert Hardy and Rod Ward; and his dog, Kobe.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Genesis Hospital and their staff, as well as the Morrison House and their staff, for the excellent care given to Jim during his illness.

Visitation will be held Thursday (April 6, 2023) from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Thorn-Black Funeral Home, Cambridge, where funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Pastor Nate Womack officiating.  At Jim's request, he wishes the services to be a casual affair and if anyone would like to wear their "WV Mountaineers" gear that would be most fitting.

Burial will be at Northwood Cemetery, Cambridge.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Jim's name to the Morrison House, c/o Genesis HealthCare Foundation, 1135 Maple Avenue, Zanesville OH 43701.

Personal condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thorn-blackfuneralhomes.com