James E. Thompson

Remembrance

James Elwood “Jim” Thompson passed away suddenly on January 16, 2022, at his home in Bowie, MD.

He was born on April 24, 1961, in Washington, D.C. to James “Frank” and Margaret Kline Thompson.

Jim grew up in Washington and graduated from DeMatha Catholic High School in Hyattsville, MD. After high school he attended the University of Maryland, College Park, graduating with a degree in Business Management with a transportation major. He was employed by Long Fence Company for nearly three decades, most recently serving as the Chief Purchasing Agent for this fifth-generation family-owned business that focuses on the mid-Atlantic region but has commercial accounts from coast-to-coast. The company has managed projects for a host of companies such as Amtrak, as well as sporting complexes along the Eastern seaboard, most notably Audi Field for D.C. United’s soccer to the Ball Park of the Palm Beaches in Florida which serves as the home of the National’s and Astro’s shared training facility.

Jim and Brenda married in 2000 in Bowie, MD. They were happily married for 22 years.

Jim was a member of Belcroft Bible Church for more than 20 years and was often the first person that members and guests met as they entered the church. He was typically the first to volunteer to assist others who had a need and was very generous in offering his time and talents for members’ projects.  Both Jim and Brenda have been active in Belcroft’s Grand Living group, evidenced by Jim being the captain of the group’s electric boat cruise in Annapolis, MD, shown in the accompanying image.

Jim enjoyed fishing and boating anywhere, but particularly on the Chesapeake Bay. He also loved travel, gardening, and spending time with his family.  He was never one to be idle.

Jim was preceded in death by his mother and father.

Jim is survived by his wife, Brenda; his sons, Kevin Thompson and Daniel Farrell; daughter, Melissa (Andre) Estep,  along with “honorary” daughters, Crystal Maines and Krystal Galford, along with grandchildren Skylar Thompson, Rihanna Farrell, Leviticus Estep, Vaughn Estep and Kolton Oliver.  Also surviving is his brother, Stephen Thompson and partner, David Crider.

A memorial service will be held at Belcroft Bible Church, 13000 Beechtree Lane, Bowie, MD, on Saturday, January  22, with a time of gathering from 2-3 p.m. followed by the funeral service from 3-4 p.m.  Family and friends are invited to a meal of celebration immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.

Jim & Brenda celebrated a wonderful visit with Belcroft missionaries, Clint & Anna Ross, at Indian Bible College in Flagstaff, AZ , and in lieu of flowers, Brenda has asked that anyone desiring to give a donation, please do so in Jim's honor to Clint & Anna. Those may be given at church made payable to Belcroft Bible Church with the designation for “Clint & Anna Ross” noted in the memo line; or, they may be sent directly to Indian Bible College, 2237 E Cedar Ave, Flagstaff, AZ 86004, noting, “Clint and Anna Ross in honor of Jim Thompson.”

Jim’s ashes will be scattered at sea by his immediate family.