James E. Thompson, age 85, of Mitchell, died February 8, 2006 at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. Visitation will be held on Friday, Feb. 10 from 6-8 PM with a 7 PM prayer service at the Will Funeral Chapel. Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday at the Servicemens Memorial Cemetery with military rites. James Ellis Thompson, the oldest of 15 children, was born on December 24, 1920 to Clyde and Hazel (Beedle) Thompson. In 1934, James joined CC camp and in 1937, joined the National Guard. From there he went into the US Army and fought on the Japanese front. He was discharged in 1945. He worked as a carpenter and construction superintendent all his life. He was united in marriage on June 3, 1950 to LaVonne Mary Peart. That union lasted 54 years until her death on Dec. 30, 2004. Jim is survived by sons, David, of Sioux City, Daniel and wife, Jackie of Armour, and daughter, Donna and husband Michael Rearick of Sioux Falls; five grandchildren: Bryan Rearick and fiance, Trina Schoenfelder, Derek Thompson, Jennifer (Matt) Trenhaile, Kelly (Robert) Throckmorton, Becki (Rich) Javers, as well as six great grandchildren: Mikayla Trenhaile, Allyson Trenhaile, BreAnn Throckmorton, Richard Throckmorton, Zayne Javers and Kyler Javers; six brothers: Bill, Harold, Garry (Pat), Jerry, Chuck (Heidi) and George and four sisters, Dorothy (Dale) Strand, Barbara Regan, Ardith DeJong and Edith Thompson. He was preceded in death by his wife, LaVonne, a son, Darryl and brothers, Willis, Richard, Howard and Frederick. Memorials can be directed to the American Legion Coacher-Goetsch Post #18.