OWLS HEAD — E. James Thompson, 86, died peacefully, surrounded by his family, Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the VA Medical Center, Togus.

Born at New Harbor, September 16, 1937, he was the son of Charles A. and Eva D. Gamage Thompson. Jim spent his early years at Matinicus Island, where he attended Matinicus Island School. He was a graduate of Waldoboro High School and earned an associate degree from Thomas College. Throughout his banking career, he completed several accredited courses with the American Institute of Banking.

In 1958, Jim enlisted in the United States Coast Guard, where he proudly served 38 years, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer.

August 22, 1965, he married Florence M. Withee at Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church. The couple ultimately made their home on Granite Street in Rockland where they raised their two children. Following his retirement
from banking, the Thompson’s moved to Owls Head where they have since resided.

In his civilian life, Jim worked many years with Maine National Bank, at their Thomaston and Rockland branches, retiring as a Vice President. More recently, he enjoyed caretaking for many summer homes in the area.

Always involved in his community, Jim was a longtime member of the Rockland Rotary Club, where he received the Paul Harris Fellow award and served as president of the club, 1984 to 1985. He was a 50-year member of the Aurora Lodge of Masons where he served several years as organist, and Knox Lodge of Masons serving as Treasurer. He was a 50-year member of Littlefield Memorial Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher and sometimes as organist and a member of Winslow-Holbrook-Merritt American Legion, Post No. 1. He was a past member of the Salvation Army Board of Directors, Knox Home for the Aged Board of Directors, Coastal Workshop where he served as Treasurer and a member of the Rockland Coast Guard City Committee.

Never one to sit idle, Jim loved music, gardening, wood carving, model boat building, hunting, fishing, being on the water, Sunday afternoon rides and spending time with his grandson, Nathan. He enjoyed a special friendship with his daughter Carol’s partner, Dr. Roy J. Nirschel, who died in 2018.

Jim is survived by his wife of 58 years, Florence; his daughter, Carol A. Thompson; his son, James A. Thompson and his wife Janine and their son Nathan, all of Owls Head; his sister, June Martin of Vinalhaven, as well as
many much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service with Military Honors will be held Monday, January 15, 2024, at 11 a.m., at the Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, 110 Limerock Street, Rockland. Friends and family are invited to visit from 10 to 11 a.m., before the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 20 Trafalgar Square, Suite 447, Nashua, NH 03063-1301 or online at cff.org/donate.

To share a memory or story with Jim’s family, please visit their online Book of Memories at www.bchfh.com.

For those unable to attend in person, a live-stream of Jim’s service will be available on his book of memories at www.bchfh.com. Please follow the link under Photos & Videos Tab then Watch Webcast.