James V. Thomson

James V. Thomson, 98, died peacefully on July 29, 2015 at Loomis Lakeside at Reeds Landing surrounded by family members. Born in Rumford, ME, he was the son of the late Archibald and Lydia (Clark) Thomson and was predeceased by a younger brother, Alton, and two younger sisters Thelma and Priscilla. He was a longtime resident of Hampden before moving to Reeds Landing in Springfield in 2007. Jim graduated from Juniata College in Huntington, PA in 1939. He served as a Sergeant in the Army Air Corp in the European theatre during WWII. After his discharge he worked for the Insurance Company of North America in Philadelphia, PA and Springfield, MA later to become CIGNA and retired from there in 1979. Jim is an Emeritus member of the Walker Odd Fellows Lodge in Philadelphia, and was a Boy Scout leader in Hampden. For many years Jim celebrated his Scottish heritage playing the bagpipes as a member of the Springfield Kiltie Band. He had to retire in his 80's when he no longer had enough wind to play. He was a member of the Evangelical Covenant Church of Springfield where he served as a Sunday School teacher, a Deacon, and Financial Secretary for many years. He was also very active with the senior fellowship and participated in the senior drop-in program in recent years. At the time of his passing, he was the oldest member of the church. Jim was an avid reader, enjoyed history and prided himself with correctly answering many of the Jeopardy questions the contestants could not answer. He leaves his beloved wife of 69 years Lillian (Lewis) Thomson and three children: Ronald E. Thomson and his wife Katherine of Hampden, Barbara Hegg and her husband Dr. James Hegg of Kensington, CT, and Nancy Hansen and her husband Peter of Kensington, CT. He also leaves eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the Evangelical Covenant Church on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. A private burial will take place at Chapin Cemetery in Hampden. Memorial donations in Jim's name may be made to the Evangelical Covenant Church, 915 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119.