James Stanley Thompson, 74, husband of Brenda Faye (Staton) Thompson, of Stuarts Draft, passed away Sunday, August 4, 2024 at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Mr. Thompson was born in Augusta County, Virginia on April 28, 1950, a son of the late James Dewitt Thompson and Flavie Mae (Warren) Thompson.

James attended Old Paths Baptist Church and retired from NIBCO after 29 years of service. Following his retirement, Mr. Thompson drove for Valley Oil and then the Augusta County School System as a bus driver. Known for his strong work ethic, he often labored from sunrise to sunset, a quality he instilled in his grandson. James was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, farming, and caring for animals. He had a gift for making friends wherever he went and cherished his family deeply.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Thompson was preceded in death by a brother Michael C. Thompson; a nephew, Josh Thompson; and a niece, Jennifer Thompson.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of fifty-three years, is a daughter, Starla Fitzgerald and her husband, Philip; a grandson, Ashton Fitzgerald; a sister, Phyllis Lynn Thompson; two brothers, Cecil G. Thompson and his wife, Diane, and Larry W. Thompson and his wife, Tammie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, August 9, 2024 in the Coffman Funeral Home Chapel by Pastors John Smith and Charles Perkins. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Active pallbearers will be Ashton Fitzgerald, Mike Little, Steve Little, Kenny Sandridge, Christopher Thompson, and Owen McCormick.

It is suggested that those desiring make memorial contributions to Old Paths Baptist Church Building Fund, 1434 Keezletown Rd., Weyers Cave, VA 24486.

Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive in Staunton is entrusted with his arrangements.