Jim Thompson

Jim served in the US Army from 1968-1970, a lieutenant in Vietnam, performing duty as a forward observer and then at artillery fire bases. He received a Bronze Star & the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Following his tour, he served as a 1st Lieutenant company commander at Fort Riley, KS.

Before entering service, Jim attended college on a swimming scholarship and was competitive at the national level. He grew up in Rochester, NY.

After his discharge, Jim was an insurance claims adjuster with CNA, then attended Atlanta Law School and worked as an attorney. At one point he argued a case before the U.S. Supreme Court.

At the time of his passing Jim was married to Donna Boddy who had been his “pen pal” while he was in Vietnam. They had a relationship upon his return but went their separate ways for 35 years before reuniting and getting married. He then moved to Orland Park.

Jim continued his service to his country and his brother and sister veterans through membership in the Veterans of Foreign Wars, Orland Park Veterans Commission and as a member of the Board of Directors of Veterans Voices Military Group, Inc. It was Jim’s knowledge and energy that started moving Veterans Voices through the many steps required to become a 501c3 not-for-profit organization. At the time of his death Jim was a member of the Board of Directors for Veterans Voices Military Group, Inc.