Obituary of Jim Thompson

Jimmy Grant “Jim” Thompson, passed away on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at the age of 80.  Born on June 28, 1943 in Rock Hill SC to Henry Martin Thompson and Zelma Pauline Grant.  Jim survived his wife Carol Jean Chasteen Thompson who passed away in April of 2020.  Surviving, are a brother, Robert J. Thompson III and wife Jan, who reside in Florida.

Jim lived a rich life with many different talents, and interests through the years.  He served in the South Carolina National Guard.  Early in his career, he was salesman for a building materials supplier in Greenville SC.  Then, he opened his own tool grinding and sharpening business.  Jim was an artist, master craftsman, machinist and welder.  He was a founding member of the Greenville Woodworkers Guild.  Jim designed and built his own tooling and lathe, which he used to turn his highly sought after wood bowls which he sold at many art and craft fairs throughout South Carolina. 

Among his many talents, Jim was a sharpshooter and participated in many muzzle loader rifle competitions.  He also enjoyed gunsmithing, hunting and fishing.

Jim focused on building cars and this became his real passion.  He possessed a special ability for fabricating and shaping car body parts.  He also worked on many classic car restorations as well as building cars from the ground up including several he owned and drove every day.  He loved to read and invent pretty much anything that had to do with cars and just about any kind of equipment.

Jim’s mechanical, machining, gunsmithing and fabricating abilities were vast and will be missed by many.  Not only did Jim work on his projects, he loved solving just about any machining task that anyone would bring to him.  He was always up for a mechanical challenge enjoyed giving his solutions to anyone that would ask him.

Jim Thompson will be remembered for his knowledge, and his dedication to helping others. His legacy will live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.

The family would like to thank Open Arms Hospice and all the nurses that provided care in Jim’s final days.  Special thanks to all his many close friends that assisted his cousin Joseph Grant, helping care for him during this difficult time.  And it is this group of friends that will dearly miss “holding court” and having colorful conversations at their weekly Friday lunches at Charlie’s BBQ. 

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at 11 o'clock Saturday, June 22nd at Armenia Methodist Church Cemetery (2840 Armenia Road, Chester, SC 29706).  In lieu of any flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680; or to the charity of one’s choice