Jim Thompson (8-12-16) service 8-15-16

Jim Thompson was born on Feb. 22, 1942, to the late Jim Frank Thompson and Clara Crotts Thompson. His father died before he was born, and he had a stepfather, the late Smith Norman.
He was also preceded in death by two sisters, Frankie Qualls and Sue Smith.
He passed from this life to heaven after a hard-fought battle with cancer on Friday, Aug. 12.
He leaves behind his wife of almost 50 years, Mary Beth Shelby Thompson; two daughters, Amy Reid and Emily Miracle; four granddaughters, Bethany Long, Katey Reid, Alena Reid and Julia Miracle; honorary son, Brent Anderson; son-in-law, Brian Reid; many cousins and close friends.
He worked for 51 years at the Savannah Publishing Company. He began sweeping the floors in high school and ended as the editor of The Courier.
He was a member of the Library Board, worked on the 911 Board, and served as a member of the Tennessee Press Association board of directors. He was also a 50-plus year Mason, a member of the Pickwick Shrine Club/Al Chymia Temple, and a member of the Valley of Corinth Scottish Rite.
He was a member of East End United Methodist Church, but he attended Sharon Baptist Church with his family for many years.
He went to many car shows, especially with the Shiloh Area Street Rods. He was an avid NASCAR fan.
Services were held on Monday, Aug. 15, at 1 p.m., at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah with Greg Young officiating. Burial  followed in New Harmony Baptist Church Cemetery at Savannah.