Elmer "Jim" Thompson

Elmer “Jim” Thompson age 99 of Clinton, WI passed away peacefully on Tuesday March 25, 2025, at Huntington Place. He was born February 9, 1926, to Gregor & Rosa (Steffensen) Thompson at home in Clinton, WI.  Jim graduated from Clinton High School, Class of 1944 and went directly into the U.S. Army. While in the Army Jim served as a clerk in General Patton’s 3rd Army forward headquarters, after serving in the Army he was the tractor mechanic at the Clinton John Deere dealer for several years before getting his degree in Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. He taught school first at Turner and then at Clinton Middle School until his retirement. He married his dear wife Betty Ann Byerley on June 6, 1948. They celebrated 74 years of marriage. She preceded him in death on August 17, 2022. Jim also worked after hours as a projectionist in Clinton, Lake Geneva and Janesville, WI in Theaters and the U.S. Occupation Army theatre at Bad Tolz, Bavaria during WW II.

He is survived by his three sons, James (Nancy), Daniel (Rebecca) and Steven (Kris) Thompson; seven grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren & seven great great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Betty, and his brother Arnold.

Jim’s Funeral Service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday April 11, 2025, at JEFFERSON PRAIRIE LUTHERAN CHURCH, 23184 Bergen Road, Poplar Grove, IL with Pastor Linda Winkelman officiating.  Friends will be received on Friday in Church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Jefferson Prairie Lutheran Church. Private burial at Eastlawn Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on our website.

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