Dr. James Harold Thompson, Sr., 94, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025. He was born on July 2, 1931 in Paducah, Kentucky to Charles Clinton Thompson and Suchie Gandy Thompson.
Dr. Thompson was a resident of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather. He was Christian by faith and a Veteran of the Korean war, serving his country in the United States Air Force. He was a 1958 graduate of Mississippi Southern College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration. In addition, he earned a master’s degree in hospital administration and a Doctor of Philosophy Degree in Health Facilities Management. For over 53 years, he owned, managed and developed hospitals, home health agencies, physician office practices and durable medical equipment companies. He was the owner and CEO of Healthmark Regional Medical Center in DeFuniak Springs. He also had experience consulting for teaching and non-teaching hospitals in the public and private sectors. He served as chairman of a school board (K-12), hospital boards, civic and industrial boards and a mental health association. He was inducted into the University of Southern Mississippi Hall of Fame and was a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Health. Dr. Thompson has been the recipient of many honors and awards for his leadership ability and accomplishments in management. Duke University and the States of Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia have also recognized him in prestigious ways.
Dr. Thompson was preceded in death by his father and mother; his wife of nearly 61 years, Mary Margaret Boone Thompson; and his sister, Bonnie.
Dr. Thompson is survived by his daughters Debbie Birdwell Walker (Jeff) and Terri Lynn Jenkins; sons James H. Thompson, Jr., and Eddie Thompson; his grandchildren: Matthew James Jenkins (Tricia), Amanda Lynn Jenkins Pearsall (Andrew), Tiffany Lynn Thompson-Cosson, Edgar Stone Thompson, James Clinton Birdwell (Stacy), Jason Brent Birdwell (Ashley), Shellie Ann Birdwell Riley (John), Julie Cheri Walker, and Kaitlyn Cheri Walker; his great-grandchildren: Evelyn Rose Jenkins, Emmett James Jenkins, Fisher Cosson, River Cosson, Fallon Renée Birdwell Westerfield (Curtis), Kinley Grace Birdwell, Karley James Birdwell, Victoria AnneMarie Birdwell, Jason Tyler Birdwell, Emerson Paige Birdwell, Johnathan Wesley Riley (Maria), Katherine James Walker Sanders (Mekiah), Ashlyn Jade Habenschuss, Taylor Rain Habenschuss, and Luna Katherine Harris; his great-great-grandchildren: Lindsey James Westerfield, Brooklyn Kate Westerfield, Kenai Elias Hicks, Elijah Haskel Riley; and his brother, Charles “Bub” Thompson.
A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 – 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.
Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Matt Douglass officiating.
Flowers are being accepted.
Pallbearers will be Stone Thompson, Fisher Cosson, Adam Talmadge, Kenny Way Sr, John Ard, and Houston Wright.
Burial will be held at Magnolia Cemetery with Military Honors by the United States Air Force.
