Deacon James A. Thompson, retired Permanent Deacon, died on Thursday, December 13, 2012, after a lengthy illness.

Deacon Thompson was born on November 30, 1930, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a graduate of LaSalle College with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He also studied at Temple University's School of Law from 1960 to 1961. He served in the United States Navy from 1952 to 1956. He continued serving in the Naval Reserve until 1960 when he was honorably discharged. Deacon Thompson retired from the Federal Civil Service with over 39 years of service.

Deacon Thompson was ordained a permanent deacon on June 6, 1999, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by His Eminence Anthony Cardinal Bevilacqua. He was assigned to Stella Maris Parish, Philadelphia, until January 15, 2010, when he retired from active ministry. He also had been active at one time as the Parish Tuition Committee Coordinator.

A viewing will be held on Tuesday, December 18, 2012, from 7:00-9:00 PM, at John R. Deady Funeral Home, 2501 South Camac Street, Philadelphia. A viewing will also be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2012, beginning at 9:15 AM at Stella Maris Church, 10th and Bigler Streets, Philadelphia. Most Reverend Robert P. Maginnis will celebrate his Deacon Thompson's Funeral Mass at 10:00 AM. Concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend John R. DiOrio and Reverend Monsignor Gregory J. Parlante. Deacon James J. Duffy will serve as Deacon of the Word and Homilist.
Deacon Thompson is predeceased by his wife, Charlotte, and his daughter, Colleen. He is survived by a son, Kevin (Lisa) and three grandchildren. Interment will take place at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery, Springfield.

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