Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
James “Jim” Austin Thompson, of Warsaw, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, June 1, 2025, in the care of Miller’s Merry Manor of Warsaw at the age of 90.
He was born on June 26, 1934, in Argos, to Hazel Josephine Hessler Thompson and Gail Austin Thompson. Jim spent his childhood in Argos and graduated in 1952 from Argos High School. He attended Fort Wayne International Business College for two years and earned his associate’s degree. In his youth, he worked at the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne, and in 1958 he was hired by R.R. Donnelley & Son’s in Warsaw working as a purchasing agent for 37 years. In that time Jim made many lasting friendships with his work family.
Jim always kept active throughout his life, and enjoyed everything from fast pitch softball, running, playing basketball, bowling and, of course, golf. He was blessed to have met Lila Ann Jacob, and they were married on September 5, 2015. Jim and Lila cared and supported each other in everything they did in their lives. Sharing the love and companionship of their family and friends. He lived a long and fulfilling life and witnessed many changes in the world in his 90 years on this Earth.
Jim was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Lila Ann Thompson, Warsaw; son, Richard (Tami) Thompson, Warsaw; stepson, Jeff (Connie) Christner, Middlebury; and his stepdaughter, Stephanie (Brian) Salyer, Warsaw. Also surviving are two grandchildren, Jason and Andrew Thompson; and his sister, Judy Good, Argos. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gail and Hazel Thompson; three brothers and one sister.
Jim’s life will be celebrated with a service at noon on Saturday, June 7 at Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw, and officiated by Dereck Pike. Friends and family may visit prior to the service from 10 a.m. to noon. A graveside service will follow at Oakwood Cemetery of Warsaw.
Memorial donations may be directed to Animal Welfare League of Kosciusko County, 1048 S. 325 W., Pierceton, IN 46562; or to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W 96th St - Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.
