James Howard Thompson

James Howard Thompson,85, of Maryville, IL, passed away on Friday, October 14, 2022, at Anderson Hospital, in Maryville, IL.

He was born April 16, 1937, to Wilbur Lee and Sara Julia (nee Nance) Thompson, in Bedford County, Virginia. On December 31, 1989, he married the love of his life, Mary Kay Pemberton. They truly enjoyed their life together.

At an early age he entered the military and served 14 years in the National Guard. The remainder of his career he worked as an over-the-road truck driver for Werner Inc. During this time, he received numerous awards and before retiring earned an award or 3 million miles of safe driving with no accidents.

Jim, as he was known to his family and friends, was a lifetime member of the NRA. He loved his firearms. He was a “Professor” of Bluegrass music, which he loved and got him through a lot of hard times in his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilbur Lee and Sara Julia Thompson; and in-laws, Noble “Terry” and Margaret Pemberton.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Kay Thompson; stepson, Michael (Gayla) Vanover, brothers-in-law, Stephen (Parvin) Pemberton, Mark (Amy) Pemberton; sisters-in-law, Jeannette (Mike) Pendleton, Barbara (Jim) Johnson, along with several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life ill be held in the Spring of 2023.

Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.