James Arlon "Pete" Thompson, 77, passed away unexpectedly on Aug. 12, 2026. He was born at home on Woodburn Road in Simpson County on July 2, 1949.
Pete spent most of his life in Logan and Simpson counties, where he was well known and well loved. He was raised on a farm in Simpson County, where he learned the value of hard work and the importance of helping others. In his younger years, he proudly served his community as a volunteer firefighter with the Franklin Fire Department while also working for the City of Franklin. Pete took great pride in his service as a firefighter, especially in being the one who operated the Jaws of Life during emergency calls. He later returned to his agricultural roots as a farm hand, a way of life he truly enjoyed.
During those years, he survived a serious farming accident when he was attacked and trampled by a cow, leaving him with life-threatening injuries and in a coma. True to Pete's resilient spirit and unforgettable sense of humor, when he recovered, he joked that he had won because he got to enjoy a big juicy steak!
Pete had a passion for wrestling and spent many years refereeing matches, a role he took great pride in. Those who knew him also knew his simple pleasures, including a pouch of chewing tobacco and the company of family and friends.
Pete is survived by his children, Penny Sanders, James Thompson Jr. (Ashley), and Angela "Nay Nay" Thompson; his stepchildren, Amanda Tomes-Eller and Thomas Bowles; his grandchildren; his many great-grandchildren, all of whom he loved dearly; his sister, Jean Kinsey; his brother, David Thompson; and his many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Woodrow and Rachel Mirl Thompson; his brothers, Fred Alton Thompson, Charles Doris Thompson, William Earl Thompson, and Alan Thompson; his sister, JoAnn Belcher; and his grandchild, Dakota Key.
Pallbearers will be James Thompson Jr., Nay Nay Thompson, Thomas Bowles, Shannon Key Jr., Shannon Key Sr., and Tucker Thompson.
Funeral services we held on Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in the chapel at Kirby Funeral Services at 110 Franklin Road, Russellville at 2 p.m. with Brother Doug Haley officiating. Burial will follow in Felts Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made payable to Kirby Funeral Services in honor of Pete and assist with funeral expenses.