James L. Thompson

James Lawrence Thompson, 63, of McCammon, Idaho, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on November 13, 2025. He was born May 12, 1962, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the third of seven children born to John and Carolyn (Engle) Thompson.

James spent his childhood in Downey, Idaho. He was “all boy”—growing up milking cows, shooting varmints, and developing that funny, quick-witted personality which sometimes got him in trouble on the school bus. He loved riding his motorbike to move pipe. As a young teenager, he and his brother Jason once smoked out a den of coyote pups and gentled them into pets, becoming a classic family memory.

An all-around athlete, James attended Marsh Valley High School, where he participated in football, track, and weightlifting. He also sang in the MarVals. Most of all, he loved hunting and the outdoors. His senior year, James moved to Pocatello and attended Highland High School. That year he was named an All-State running back, and his children loved finding his picture hanging in the Highland Hall of Fame. Forever an Eagles fan, he spent many years on the bleachers at Marsh Valley High cheering on his girls and making people laugh.

He married his eternal companion, Tamera Dunn, in 1983. Together they built a joyful life in McCammon and were blessed with four beautiful daughters, wonderful friends, and many adventures. They enjoyed 42 years of marriage marked by devotion, forgiveness, humor and love. James was sharp, mechanically gifted and exceptionally hard working. After earning a welding degree from ISU, he spent 25 years working at Ash Grove Cement Plant where he made many lifelong friends. He spent the next 10 years building windmills and later working for the INL.

James was happiest in the mountains. An avid outdoorsman, he shared his love of the wilderness with his daughters. They spent many days exploring, hunting, fishing, and riding his pack-string through the mountains. Some of their most cherished memories are of their summer pack trips. He would take his family, young men, and close friends into the high mountain lakes where they were lucky enough to hear his campfire serenades. They will never forget his cowboy songs—especially their favorite, Ghost Riders in the Sky. James also had a special love for his sons-in-law, who shared his passion for hunting, farming and the outdoors.

A silly and playful grandpa, James was often found dramatizing games and playing make-believe with his grandchildren who adored his singing and humor. He loves his grandkids deeply.

James was a true cowboy and loved the western life. He broke his own horses, raised cattle and enjoyed farming. Never to be beaten, and despite many painful days, James remained a positive example of endurance and grit. Deepened by trials, he developed a strong testimony of Jesus Christ. He served in many callings in the LDS Church and enjoyed studying the scriptures. He was a friend to many and a servant to all. He often impressed people with his deep spirituality and quiet acts of service. Forever the toughest man in the world, his life was the lesson he gave to us all.

He is preceded in death by his loving parents, John and Carolyn Thompson; his in-laws, Jerry and Joyce Dunn; and one brother-in-law, Mike Myler. Always our trailblazer, he is survived by his devoted wife, Tammy, and her siblings; his siblings John (Jolyn) Thompson, Jacquelin Thompson, Jason Thompson, Jarred Thompson, Jesse (Cliff) Kelley, and Jordan (Courtney) Thompson; his daughters Ashley (Tyler) Baker, Kelsey (Blaze) Solomon, Jaimee (Vincent) Bauman, and Josie (Logan) Alder and 12 adorable grandchildren.

Funeral services will be at 11am Friday 11/21/2025 at the McCammon LDS Stake Center. There will be a viewing on Thursday 11/20/2025 from 6-8pm at the McCammon LDS Stake Center and also on Friday 1hr prior to services starting at 10am. Burial will be in the Norton Cemetery following the funeral.

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