Dr. James Walker Thompson

Dr. James Walker Thompson, 81, of Churchville, passed away Monday, October 4, 2021 at Legacy at North Augusta, Staunton, VA.   Jim was born in Wichita Falls, Texas on October 21, 1939, a son of the late Agnes (Walker) and James Roy Thompson.   He then attended and graduated from King College, in Bristol, where he met his wife Penny before heading to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN for Medical School where he earned his Doctorate in medicine. He became Head Resident at Norfolk General Hospital.  Jim served in the U.S. Navy as a Lieutenant Commander during the Vietnam War. He served the residents of the Shenandoah Valley in private practice for over 30 years. After retirement in 2003, he enjoyed being a volunteer Chaplain at RMH.  Other interests he enjoyed were renovating old houses, vegetable gardening, and military and native American history. He attended Bridgewater United Methodist Church.    On June 8, 1963 he was united in marriage to Penny Kiracofe Thompson who preceded him in death on February 11, 2011.   James is survived by sons James Houston Thompson and wife, Margaret, of Richmond, and Jubal Roy Thompson and wife, Kirsten, of McLean; daughter, Tamara Hatch, of Bridgewater; and companion, Bessie Graves of Churchville; and 10 grandchildren: Afton, Ryan, Matthew, Sophia, Alyssa, Katherine, Ava, Walker, Aletta, and Lilah; and great-grandson, James Cooper.   In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brother, Benny Thompson.   A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Bridgewater United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jim Harris and Rev. Steve McMillion officiating. Burial will be private.    The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on Friday, October 8, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Bridgewater.   Online condolences may be sent to the family at johnsonfs.com.