James “Jim” Branfort Thompson, 72, of Shippensburg, passed away Saturday, July 8, 2023 at WellSpan York Hospital.
He was born on Monday, April 2, 1951 in Madison, WI, a son of the late Oswell James and Isla Grace (Branfort) Thompson. Jim was a U.S Army Veteran enlisting in March of 1970 and honorably discharged in July of 1981. He married Patricia A. Jenness on April 27, 1972, in Madison.
Jim was a graduate of Florida International University and a Magna Cum Laude graduate of the University of Central Florida, earning degrees in healthcare administration and physical therapy. Earlier in life he worked as a registered well-driller and owned and operated a plant nursery called Thompson Orchids while residing in Florida. For the majority of his life, he worked as a physical therapist in many nursing homes and health care facilities in multiple areas.
In Jim’s spare time he enjoyed collecting pigs of many shapes and sizes. He enjoyed reading and used to be an avid fisherman. Jim also spent time scuba diving for lobsters, scallops, and clams and overall had a love for the ocean. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Walnut Bottom along with his wife for many years.
In addition to his wife of 51 years, Patricia, Jim is survived by; a daughter, Joan K. Yamaguchi of Kissimmee, FL; a son, Benjamin J. Thompson and wife Rachel of Winter Garden, FL; three grandchildren, Mikoto Yamaguchi and Cristian Murray Yamaguchi both of North Carolina, and Jasmine Yamaguchi of Kissimmee, FL; and multiple nieces and nephews.
His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Fogelsanger-Bricker Funeral Home and Crematorium, Inc. Shippensburg. There will be no public viewing, visitation, or funeral service. Interment will be private, Jim’s wishes were to be buried at sea.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to www.fisherhouse.org.