James Bennett Thompson, 78

James Bennett Thompson passed away April 18, 2018, at home in Bigfork, with family by his side.

Jim was born June 26, 1939, in Big Sandy to Hallin E. Thompson and Emma Wavrick Thompson.

After the death of his father, Jim and Emma moved to the Swan River area where Jim spent the first three years of his schooling. His mother married Cecil Johnson in 1948 and Jim spent the rest of his life on the family farm in Bigfork. He finished school at Bigfork, graduating in 1958.

Jim had a repair shop and was a school bus contractor/driver for Bigfork schools. He drove bus for 48 years before illness sidelined him.

Jim married Debbie Gilbert Nov. 30, 1974, in Bigfork. She survives him at the family home. He is also survived by two sons, Alan (Val) Thompson of Seattle, and TJ (Cindel Reynolds) Thompson of Bigfork; three daughters, Karen Thompson of Boise, Idaho, Tia (Chris) Yaryan of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Jaine Thompson of Santa Maria, California; and two grandchildren, Brayden and Peyton Yaryan of Castle Rock. He is also survived by his sister Linda (Bruce) DELong of Missoula and mother-in-law Rose Gilbert of Kalispell.

He was preceded in death by his brother Leonard Thompson, father Hallin Thompson, stepfather Cecil Johnson, mother Emma Johnson, and father-in-law Walter Gilbert.

Cremation has taken place and graveside services will be held later this summer.

Families and friends are encouraged visit the website www.buffalohillfh.com to leave a note of condolence. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family.