James Walter Thompson

James Walter Thompson, 83, of Astoria, died Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012, at home.

He was born Nov. 28, 1928, in Oxford, N.C., to James Walter and Mary Myrtle (Gill) Thompson.

He was raised in Oxford.

In 1947, he joined the U.S. Navy. He was stationed at Attu, Alaska, from 1947 to 1949; Tongue Point from 1949 to 1952 and 1959 to 1962; twice aboard the auxiliary destroyer USS Piedmont (AD-17); and once aboard the destroyer USS Thomason (DD 760). He returned to Astoria as a Navy recruiter from 1967 to 1969. He retired after 23 years of service.

On June 7, 1953, he married Doris Girt in Seaside. She survives, residing in Astoria.

After the Navy, Mr. Thompson worked at the Marine Drive Superette and the Public Market in Astoria. He then spent eight years with New Tribes Mission, the last four years in Florida. He returned to Astoria and drove a city transit bus from 1988 to 1991.

He was a member and elder of the Lewis and Clark Bible Church.

Family members said he enjoyed bowling for many years, and participated in bowling leagues.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a sister, Mary Magdalene (Thompson) Oakley; a daughter, LaVon Patrice; a son, James Thompson III and his wife, Carola; nine grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two brothers, Charles Monroe Thompson and James Curtis Thompson; and a sister, Estelle (Thompson) Inscoe.

A memorial will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, at Lewis and Clark Bible Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lewis and Clark Bible Church, 35082 Seppa Lane, Astoria, OR 97103; Lower Columbia Hospice, 486 12th St., Astoria, OR 97103; or The Gideons International, P.O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214-0800.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book can be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com