Death Notice
James Gordon Thompson
December 18,1926 – May 13, 2021
The Thompson family is deeply saddened to announce that James (Jim) died peacefully at Parkwood Institute on May 13, 2021 at the age of 94. He will be dearly missed by Beverly (Smith) his wife of 71 years; his five children, Adair (Ian), Leslie (Peter), Ann (Stephen), Robin (David) and Gordon (Louise); his fifteen grandchildren, Laura (Darren), Catherine (Scott), Rosalyn, Andrew (Joanna), Gillian, Michael, Eric, David, Daniel, Caroline (Greg), Lorraine (Josh), Thomas, Alastair, Mackenzie and Isabella; and his seven great-grandchildren, Claire, Gordon, Jacob, Anne, Zachary, Lane and Evan. He was predeceased by his sisters Catherine Thompson and Essie Bacon.
Jim was born in London, Ontario and attended Ridley College, the Royal Canadian Naval College, the University of Toronto (Engineering), and the University of Western Ontario (Business). From 1960 to 1971, he was President of Supertest Petroleum, a company co-founded by his father, John Gordon Thompson. He was also president of Sunningdale Golf Club Limited, where he oversaw the completion of many improvements. He was inducted into the London Business Hall of Fame.
In his sporting life, Jim was a champion trap shooter for many decades. He applied his gifted engineering mind to the design of Miss Supertest III, an Unlimited Class hydroplane speedboat that won three consecutive world championship titles (the Harmsworth Trophy). In addition, Miss Supertest II achieved the world speed record in 1957. His accomplishments in the speedboat world were honoured by his induction into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame, the Canadian Motorsports Hall of Fame, the London Sports Hall of Fame. The story of Miss Supertest III was commemorated by special stamps issued by Canada Post.
Jim was known as a modest and quiet gentleman who was an active supporter of the community. He contributed to and shared his knowledge with numerous organizations in London including the Salvation Army, the YMCA, St. Joseph’s Healthcare London, Children’s Health Foundation, Victoria Hospital, Fanshawe College, Huron College, SARI Therapeutic Riding and St. John the Evangelist Church. He was a founding member of the London Power and Sail Squadron and was for many years the Honorary Colonel of the 1st Hussars. His contributions to community were recognized with a Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal. Very fittingly, the Masonic Lodge, of which he was a long-time member, presented him with the John Ross Matheson Award for his “distinguished service to his community, his country and mankind.”
Jim enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies and pursuits. These included piloting small aircraft, sailing, golfing, machining and gun smithing, assembling electronics, boat building and crafting furniture. He could fix anything he put his mind to.
One of the great joys of his life was spending time with family, in particular in Fort Lauderdale and at the cottage in Corunna. He loved watching the freighters on the St. Clair River with Beverly at this side. He derived great pleasure from the many trips he and Beverly took with with family and friends.
The family wishes to express its sincere thanks and gratitude to Chris Climent for her devoted support of Jim in his office activities which he pursued through his 94th year.
Jim will lie at rest at Woodland Cemetery. Arrangements in the care of Harris Funeral Home. A celebration of his life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jim’s honour to the Salvation Army, the YMCA or a charity of your choice would be appreciated. Condolences can be sent directly to the family at jthompson@sunningdalegolf.com.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of James Gordon Thompson 2021..
Death notice for the town of: London, Province: Ontario