Jimmy Wayne Thompson

Jimmy Wayne Thompson, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, passed away on September 28, 2026. Jimmy was born in Bruce, MS on July 15, 1951. He graduated from Whitehaven High School in 1971. After high school, he pursued a career with Illinois Central Railroad. During a hiatus from the railroad, he got his HVAC degree and worked in that field for several years before returning to Illinois Central where he retired, leaving behind a legacy of hard work and integrity. Jimmy married the love of his life, Debora, in 1971, and they welcomed three beautiful children together. They built a life filled with love, laughter, and family over their 55 years of marriage. Jimmy was a proud, devoted grandfather. He was always present for each of their milestones, activities, and achievements. He imparted wisdom and taught them valuable lessons and skills they will carry with them for years to come. Family was the cornerstone of Jimmy's life, but he also found joy in the great outdoors. He was an avid camper, fisherman, and kayaker, passions that he lovingly shared with his family, teaching them the importance of nature and the simple pleasures of life. He planted a garden every year and enjoyed picking and putting up the fruit and vegetables he grew. He also spent a lot of his spare time reloading ammunition which was a fun hobby for him. He was good with his hands, a great problem solver, and was notorious for coming up with ways of doing things when conventional methods didn't work. Jimmy is preceded in death by his parents, Albert Newman Thompson and Sara Covington Thompson, and his grandson, Seth Thompson. He is survived by his beloved wife, Debora, his sister Barbara, brother Bobby (Susan), children Jason (Laurie), Heather, and Matthew (Teresa), and grandchildren Chelsey, Kayla, Jacob, Danielle, Ava, and Mia. Funeral Services will be held at Forest Hill Funeral Home 2440 Whitten Rd Memphis, TN. Family visitation 9:00-9:30am. Public visitation 9:30-10:00am. Memorial service 10:00-11:00am. Burial will be at 11:30 at Forest Hill Cemetery 2545 E. Holmes Rd Memphis, TN. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in his memory. Jimmy will be deeply missed, but his spirit will endure in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He never met a stranger. His life was a testament to the values of love, family, and friendship, and his memory will remain a guiding light for all who were fortunate enough to know him.