Roger James Thompson, 89, Jamestown, ND passed away peacefully Thursday, 19 September 2024, at Ave Maria under Hospice Care and in the caring support of immediate family and staff.

Roger was born March 26, 1935 in Woodworth, ND. The son of Usher and Ida (Lange) Thompson he grew up and attended school around the Jamestown area before joining the U.S. Navy in 1952 and served aboard the USS Mississippi Battleship; USS Des Moines Heavy Cruiser; and USS Wisconsin Battleship. He proudly served our Nation off the shores of Korea for 13-months during the Korean War along with other military missions to: Japan, Norway, Sweden, and France.

     Roger was honorable discharged from the U.S. Navy and married Shirley Witzig May 26, 1956 where they raised three beautiful daughters in Jamestown: Kim, Shelly, and Lori. In 1990 after 34-years of endearing marriage/love they lost their beloved wife/mother to the Lord after a courageous battle with Leukemia.

    Roger married Marge Finck, July 8, 2006 and they remained compassionately married for the last 18-years until the Lord called Roger home. They enjoyed time together camping, fishing, and visiting with people.    

    Throughout the years Roger worked in the Jamestown area driving transport for 25-years with Dan Dugan; Golf Course Superintendent for 14-years between Sun City, AZ and Jamestown, ND and completed his remaining 8-years working as a Senior Citizen Bus Driver.

     He was an active member of the Jamestown community, lifetime member of the VFW, member of the Legion, Elks, and Eagles. He had a passion for music – combined 39-years entertaining generations with lively rich music from his band, The Playboys, and the popular Drum & Bugle Corp. He was a ‘heavy hitter’ in the bowling alley and represented N. Dakota at National events.

     Roger is survived by his loving wife Marge Thompson (Finck), Jamestown, ND; two daughters, Lori (Corey Deery) Fargo, ND; and Shelly (Jack Shumate), Colton, Oregon. His brother Jim and Jan (Oster) Thompson, Fargo, N.D. Step-children: Tori Finck, Jamestown, ND; Chad Finck, Bismarck, ND; and Nicky Finck, Jamestown, ND. He was a loving Grandfather to seventeen (17) grandchildren and thirteen (13) great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Usher and Ida; wife Shirley; brothers Arlis; Duane; Jerome; sister Carmen, daughter Kim, and son-in-law Rich.         

    Roger was courageous throughout his health challenges and maintained his strength and dignity up until he closed his eyes peacefully for the final time. Find the happy moment you had with Roger and rejoice.

     Memorial Service: 1:00 PM, Tuesday, September 24 at Eddy Funeral Home, Jamestown, ND with Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd officiating.  Interment will be in Highland Home Cemetery.

Soup/Sandwich Lunch: 4:00PM, Tuesday, September 24 at All Veterans Club.

     Eddy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.