James L. Thompson

James L. Thompson

James L. Thompson, age 87, passed away at his home in Lusk Thursday, Dec. 13, 2007. Memorial services were held Dec. 19, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Congregational Church in Lusk, with Pastor Mark Lohr officiating.

James was born to Frank and Cristina Thompson on Dec. 18, 1919, in Douglas. He attended Converse County public schools (he was taught one year in the country by his brother, Leo). After graduating from high school, he attended the University of Wyoming for one year. From there he went to work at the North American Aircraft Company in Los Angeles. He worked there for two years, where he helped build the first P-51 Mustang (a fighter plane). During this time he married Harriet Call, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Shirley Call, of Douglas on May 16, 1940.

Jim then returned to Niobrara County to go into ranching with his brothers, Leo and Jiggs. Leo and Jim then formed the "Thompson Brothers" and after a few years went out on their own.

Jim and Harriet moved to Cow Creek, where they raised two daughters, Jan and Waive. Jim was very involved with his family, helping the girls with 4-H and high school rodeo.

He loved flying and was an accomplished pilot, flying a cub and a helicopter for ranch work, hunting coyotes, gathering livestock; and was hired to fly power lines and oil field pipelines.

The Republican that he was, Jim served in the Wyoming Legislature from 1958 to 1966 as the Niobrara County Representative in the House and from 1966 to 1974 in the Senate, serving as the Vice President of the Senate at the time of his retirement.

Jim enjoyed his family, friends, a good game of cards, music and his ranch life.

He served as chairman of the Wyoming Stockgrowers and was a member of the Wyoming Woolgrowers, the Congregational Church, the Lusk Elks and Central Hereford Breeders Association.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leo and Jiggs, and sister Janet Froggatt.

He is survived by his wife Harriet; his daughters, Jan Bruegger of Keeline and Waive Yager of Lance Creek; five grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Niobrara County Library, Congregational Church, or the Niobrara Health and Life Center.

Pier Funeral Home in Lusk is in charge of arrangements.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records