James "Jim" Mason Thompson

 

James Mason “Jim” Thompson, 81, of Katy, Texas, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on September 11, 2026, with his family by his side.

 

Jim was born on July 13, 1945, in Tifton, Georgia, to Mason and Inez Thompson. Known as “Jimmy” to many of those who knew him in Tifton, he graduated from the University of Georgia in 1967 and remained a devoted Georgia Bulldog throughout his life. Following graduation, Jim served his country as a member of the Georgia Army National Guard from 1967 to 1973.

 

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Ellen; their daughter, Mandy Folkerts and her husband, Jeff, of Katy, Texas; his grandson, Mason Folkerts; his sister-in-law, Jane Thompson of Tifton, Georgia; and his nephew, Todd Thompson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mason and Inez Thompson; his brother, Robert Thompson; and his nephew, Tate Thompson.

 

Jim and Ellen built a marriage and partnership that spanned nearly six decades. After spending several years in Michigan, where Mandy was born, they settled in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1987. Chattanooga would be their home for the next 30 years. During those years, Jim and Ellen formed especially close and lasting friendships with the Lookabill and Catterton families. Together, the Thompsons, Lookabills, and Cattertons became affectionately known as the “TLC,” sharing many years of friendship, laughter, and memories.

 

In Chattanooga, Jim and Ellen owned and operated Parker Industrial Tool Company together for 15 years, working side by side until they sold the company and retired in 2007.

 

After retiring in 2007, Jim and Ellen had more time to enjoy one of their favorite things together—traveling. They particularly loved cruising, with some of their most memorable trips taking them through the Panama Canal, across the Atlantic with an opportunity to visit Normandy, and to Alaska.

 

In 2009, Jim took on one of his most cherished roles when his grandson Mason was born and Jim became “Papa.” As his one and only—and, as Jim liked to say, his “favorite”—grandchild, Mason shared an especially close bond with his Papa. For years, Mandy, Jeff, and Mason lived in Atlanta, just a short drive from Chattanooga. When Jeff’s career took the family to Texas in 2012, Jim and Ellen spent the next five years flying back and forth to visit.

 

In 2017, Jim and Ellen made what they would come to consider one of the best decisions of their lives: moving to Katy, just two miles from Mandy, Jeff, and Mason. That same year, the family shared a memorable Disney cruise together, combining Jim and Ellen’s love of cruising with what mattered most to them—time with family.

 

The move to Katy allowed Jim and Ellen to become an even greater part of their family’s everyday lives and gave Papa the opportunity to watch Mason grow up close by. Papa and Mason shared a relationship filled with good-natured teasing, particularly at the family’s weekly Sunday dinners, where Mason took great pleasure in making sure Papa cleared his plate. Papa never failed to ask how Mason’s golf game was going, while Mason routinely wanted to know whether Papa had managed to take out any squirrels with his BB gun. Jim was immensely proud of Mason and loved being his Papa.

 

Jim also became quite the barbecue master after buying a Lang smoker and perfecting his smoked ribs and “world-famous” chicken wings. They became staples at family gatherings and, over the years, a beloved Christmas Eve tradition. Like so many of the things Jim enjoyed most, his barbecue was ultimately about bringing his family together.

 

Jim’s Christian faith was foundational to his life. During his many years in Chattanooga, he was a longtime member of Concord Baptist Church. After moving to Katy, Jim and Ellen quickly found a new church home at Second Baptist Church. His faith in Jesus Christ remained a source of strength, comfort, and assurance throughout his life.

 

Jim leaves behind far more than the milestones of 81 years. His family will remember the husband, father, and Papa behind them—the Georgia Bulldog, the traveler, the barbecue master, the storyteller and teaser, and the familiar presence around the Sunday dinner table. They will remember the traditions he created, the laughter he brought to their lives, and, above all, his deep love for his family.

 

Though Jim will be dearly missed, his family grieves with the assurance of his faith in Jesus Christ and the promise of eternal life. They find comfort in knowing that Jim is now home with his Lord and Savior, and in the hope that, through Christ, this goodbye is not forever.

 

A service celebrating Jim’s life will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Second Baptist Church, 1463 Campus, 5757 FM 1463, Katy, Texas 77494.