James Robert Thompson, 84, of Rochester NY and Roswell GA passed away April 18th, 2026.

Jim was born on February 8th, 1942, to Robert Thompson and Joanne Madonia.  He was the oldest of nine siblings.   Jim graduated in 1959 from Irondequoit High school and Michigan State in 1965.  In 1962, while in college, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Rysewyk.  Jim and Barb raised two daughters and were married for almost 59 years.

Jim is survived by daughters Robin (Lewis) Warren of Santa Rosa CA and Rachel (Dan) Haas of Avondale PA, and 7 grandchildren (Samantha, Brittany, and Andrew Warren and Madison, Quinn, Elaina and Griffin Haas) as well as six of his siblings (Terry, Sharon, Roy, Wendy, Tina and Teddy). He is predeceased by his wife Barb, the love of his life and his brothers, Robbie (1967) and Keith (1960).

Jim spent his entire career at Xerox in a variety of roles but was most proud of winning the world class Malcomb Baldridge award while running a Xerox distribution center.

Jim was handsome, witty and smart.  He was also protective and loyal.  He loved water-views, boating and beautiful sunsets. He looked forward to vacations in Puerto Vallarta and holidays in California and Pennsylvania with his family.  He also loved setting off fireworks and passing out lottery tickets.   Perhaps, most of all, he loved a good surprise.  His sense of humor was well known, as were his dance moves.  He made detailed "to do" lists and travel itineraries, wrote step by step party procedures, and documented family favorite recipes. Consumer Reports was his bible and he always looked for CR Best Buys.  He kept his lawn manicured and his bird feeders full. His clam bakes, fish fries, Bloody Mary mix, and margaritas were legendary, his meat was always grilled to perfection, and he loved tending bar. Anyone invited by Jim to one of his parties, barbecues, or other gatherings was virtually certain to attend.

Jim was a sentimental man.  He sent heart-felt cards for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas, and invariably cried at weddings. Jim valued family above all else. He made a point to spend quality time with each of his children and grandchildren and they cherished their time with him. He shared his hobbies, taught them magic tricks, and made sure they knew how to fish and play Euchre. He was also rich in the friend department and always made an effort to stay in touch with friends from all phases of his life. Jim lived his life to its fullest - whatever he had, whether time, energy or good fortune, he shared generously with others. His wife, children, grandchildren, and so many friends loved him dearly - and all were well loved by him in return.

A private celebration of life will be held in Rochester on July 25, 2026.