James “Jim” Everett Thompson, M.D., 67, passed away suddenly at his home on Aug. 21, 2015. He was born Aug. 2, 1948, in Birch Tree, Mo., to Ruel and Myrtle (Nelles) Thompson.
He graduated from Birch Tree High School with the class of 1966 and attended college on a basketball scholarship in Walnut Ridge, Ark.
After serving as a pharmacist mate in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam era, Jim continued his education at the University of Missouri where he obtained a medical degree in 1979. Jim spent his entire medical career serving as an ER physician on the staffs of various hospitals in southeast Missouri.
Jim was married to Jannetta Lyn Cantrell and during this union, the joys of his life, James Luke and Seth Logan, were born.
Jim loved nature and the home he built on Thompson Farm was always his permanent residence. While Jim was known for his quick wit and humor, he was also a well-read, well-spoken and knowledgeable individual who could converse on any subject.
Jim is survived and will always be missed by his beloved sons, Luke and Logan; sister Vena Lee and husband, Harry Brondel; sister Sandra Rutledge; brother Verlon and wife, Cora Thompson; brother Carroll and wife, Lois Thompson; brother Leon and wife, Joyce Thompson; as well as three generations of nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother-in-law, Dale Rutledge, and great-niece, Joselyn Rutledge-Vargas.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made for surviving children’s college fund and may be left at Duncan Funeral Home.
Visitation will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Birch Tree, Mo. Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, 2015, at the Duncan Funeral Chapel in Birch Tree, Mo., with Carroll Thompson and Leon Thompson officiating. Inurnment will be in Oak Grove Cemetery in Birch Tree, Mo., under the direction of Duncan Funeral Home. Online condolences can be sent to www.duncanfuneralhomes.com.
