Obituary of James R Thompson

James R. Thompson, age 84, passed away on Ash Wednesday, February 13, 2013. He was born in Detroit on July 31, 1928, son of Dorothy and AJ Thompson. Jim is survived by his sister, Mary Dziuba Eremia, his niece Nancy D. Schuler, his nephew John T. Dziuba M.D., relatives in Canada, including cousin Ted Boake of British Columbia, and by Michael McCleer. After earning his undergraduate and MBA degrees at the University of Michigan, Jim proceeded to law school at Wayne State University. He served in the US Army for two years in the Advocate General's Office in Germany. Upon his return, he earned his CPA and established a successful career as a tax attorney, the balance in private practice. Jim enjoyed a wide range of friendships, which were enlarged by his volunteer work at the Capuchin Kitchen and with Dignity where he received a Lifetime Achievement Award. A voracious reader and excellent cook, he is remembered as a generous, kind and very intelligent man whose forceful voice was heard at any display of prejudice or injustice. Jim was a lifelong member of the ACLU. The strength and grace with which he battled cancer over many years reflected the depth of his deeply cherished Catholic faith. Jim will be remembered at the regular 6 PM Dignity Mass on Sunday, March 17, 2013, at the Sacred Heart Chapel at Marygrove College in Detroit. A reception for family and friends will follow at the Madame Cadillac Hall, at Marygrove. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Capuchin Soup Kitchen of Detroit are suggested.