James E. Thompson, age 77, late of Orland Park, U.S. Army Vietnam War Veteran 1 ^st Lieutenant. Beloved husband of Donna Boddy nee Stapel; loving father of Amanda "Mandy" Thompson; dear step dad of Craig (Laurie) Boddy M.D.; devoted son of the late Garner and Rita nee Reagan Thompson; loving brother of Marilyn (John) Birchall and Betty Ann Thompson; dear son-in-law of Alice Stapel; fond brother-in-law of Gail (Dave) Tropeck, Douglas Stapel, and Kim (Jeff) Pozza; kind uncle and cousin of many. Jim was born in Rochester, N.Y. and was a hometown hero. He swam against Don Schollander, medalist, in the 1964 Summer Olympic Trials. Jim was a 1966 graduate of Miami of Ohio on a NCAA swimming scholarship. During that time, he held the freestyle swimming record at Notre Dame. Lt. Thompson served as a Forward Observer and Advisor to the ARVN (Vietnamese Army) Units all throughout the Ashau Valley, including Hamburger Hill from January to October 1969. As result of his actions in combat, Lt. Thompson was awarded the Bronze Star and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. Upon his return in November of 1969, he was stationed at Ft. Riley and served as Battery Commander until his discharge in November of 1970, serving a total of three years. It was during this time that Jim and Donna became pen pals which blossomed into a relationship upon his return stateside. Jim worked for CNA Insurance in Chicago, and was transferred to Atlanta in 1971. As he continued working, he attended Atlanta Law School, and graduated first in his class. He was in a private law partnership in Atlanta, during which time he presented a case before the U.S. Supreme Court. When Jim was transferred to Atlanta, Donna and Jim went their separate ways and over 35 years later they reconnected. God brought them back together when they needed each other the most. Active member of Reber Tesmond VFW Memorial Post #2604, Village of Orland Park Veterans Commission, and Veteran's Voices. Visitation Sunday, March 27, 2022 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral Monday, March 28, 2022 8:45 a.m. from Thornridge Funeral Home (Janusz Family Funeral Service), 14318 S. LaGrange Rd. (Northbound U-turn permitted at 143rd St) Orland Park to St. Michael Church Mass 9:30 a.m. Interment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Homes for our Troops http://www.hfotusa.org/