James Richard Thompson

James Richard Thompson, 85, of Imperial Beach, California passed away peacefully on September 1, 2019.

He was born July 5, 1934 in Steubenville, Ohio a son of the late Willie and Goldie (Edge) Thompson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia S. Seatris, in 1993 and three sisters Joyce Thompson, Josephine Oliver and Janet Dodson.

Jim graduated in January, 1997 and received a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Accounting from National University, San Diego.

Master Chief Thompson had a distinguished career in Fire Control with over 35 years in the U.S. Navy. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign War Coronado and Imperial Beach Posts, and American Legion, Imperial Beach. Jim had a passion for bowling, playing cards and chess, going to the beach and spending time with his family. Through his military career, he accomplished his goal of traveling the world while being assigned to many U.S. bases on the East and West Coasts, Italy, Japan and Philippine Islands. After retirement, he stayed in San Diego, where he called it the best place to live.

Surviving are his 10 children: Jim (Diane) Seatris of Waipahu, HI, Mike (Kathy) Seatris of Elk Grove, CA, Patsy (Steve) Frisch of Bonita Springs, FL, Jeff (Shirley) Seatris of Sacramento, CA, Becky (Steve) Settles of San Antonio, TX, Stella (Jerry) Seatris-Hicks of Elk Grove, CA, Tina (Greg) Phelia of Cincinnati, OH, Theresa (Diego) Vargas of Chula Vista, CA, and David Thompson and Victor Thompson of Imperial Beach, CA; sixteen grandchildren, Jen (Jason) Aceituno, Ashley (Aaron McClendon) Frisch, Bree (Charlie Schock) Seatris, James Bell, Chris Seatris, Christina Frisch, Jake Seatris, Dani Hicks, Jared Hicks, Nainoa Seatris, Gregory Phelia, Laila Phelia, Elizabeth Vargas, Samantha Vargas, Milani Phelia and Sabrina Vargas; one great-grandchild Ryelle Bell; seven siblings Hattie Hays of Wintersville, OH, Jeanette (Lou) Panebianco, Mary (Joe) Ross, William F. Thompson, Albert (Maryann) Thompson, Rhonda (Jim) Boyuk all of Mingo Junction, OH and Timothy (Maggie) Thompson of Jacksonville, and many nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to all the nurses and support staff at Sonata Hospice San Diego who cared for him and made his life comfortable during the last days of his life.

Memorial services will be held at Funeraria Del Angel, 753 Broadway Street, Chula Vista, CA on Thursday, October 3 from 5-8pm. Military Honors will be held at Ft. Rosecrans, Pt. Loma, CA on Friday, October 4 at 9:30am.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to American Heart Association.

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