James Donald Thompson (born June 7, 1934) passed away peacefully at home in Redwood City on May 6, 2022, with his loving wife of 64 years Sally by his side.

Jim was born in San Francisco, California.  He graduated from Lincoln High School in San Francisco, and then from UC Berkeley with a BS in Electrical Engineering.  Shortly thereafter he completed Air Force Communications School and served active duty in the US Air Force at Fuchu Air Station in Japan for 2-1/2 years as First Lieutenant – Communications Officer, where he was Officer-in-Charge of a Communications Terminal Station and responsible for 50 Airmen.

After an Honorable Discharge, Jim enjoyed a fulfilling career as a Project Engineer for the Sonar Group and also Dalmo Victor Company.  He left Dalmo to become Chief Engineer for AMSCO Electronics Company, followed by a job as Senior Electronics Engineer at Durabond Bearing Company in Berkeley.  He also owned a manufactures representative company called Sales One, a firm with 6 employees and yearly sales of $14 million.

The Thompson family owned a home at the Russian River for years, and spent many happy times there swimming, fishing, hiking, and visiting with their multitude of friends and family.  In his spare time Jim enjoyed reading, tennis and skiing.  Jim and Sally spent many joyful years folk dancing and made many dear lifelong friends through folk dancing.  They enjoyed visiting Solvang, California and taking in the sights, sounds, and tastes of that charming town.  Jim was trained in Japan by the masters to care for Bonsai trees, and he amassed an impressive collection of nearly 90 beautiful Bonsai trees at his home in Redwood City.  He was a beloved member of the Kusamura Bonsai Club in Palo Alto, where he trained many young Bonsai lovers how to care for their Bonsai trees.

Jim is survived by his loving wife Sally of Redwood City, his sons Brent of Redwood City and Brad of San Diego, and his beloved granddaughters Bailey and Morgan of San Diego.

A Celebration of Life for Jim will be held on June 11, 2022 at 10:30am at Menlo Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park.

• Family wishes (donations in lieu of flowers?)