James R. "Jim" Thompson, 88, of Paragould, passed away on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. He was born August 27, 1935, to James and Helen Thompson. James was an eagle scout and enjoyed hunting. He loved to spend time working in his shop and trout fishing. He retired from Emerson Electric where he worked as an engineer for 28 years.

James was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nita Ritchie; stepson, Tim McFarland; and grandson, Wesley Crossno.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Daronda Thompson; sons, Hardy (Wendy) Thompson, Rip Thompson, Britt (Sherry) McFarland; daughters, Tara (Todd) Wilder, Tammy (Jimmy) Pillow; grandchildren, Karlie Thompson, Taylor (Noah) Williams, Tori Wilder, Megan (Joey) Hasty, Lindsey (Timmy) Whitworth, Heather (Josh) Jeter, Hannah (Will) Styron, Holly (Jackson) Hailey, Kodie (Clint) Potter, Kasey Westbrook, Bodie McFarland, Sierra McFarland, Shane McFarland, William Thompson, and Jennifer Thompson; and eighteen great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13, from 1:00 p.m. until service time at First United Methodist Church in Paragould. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. at First Untied Methodist Church with Dane Womack officiating. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery.

Josh Jeter, Britt McFarland, Ethan Reinhart, Will Styron, Clint Potter and Jimmy Pillow will serve as pallbearers.