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Harvey Abrams, posted a condolence
Wednesday, July 16, 2014
To Dr. Thompson's Family,
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing and offer my sincerest condolences. My relationship with Dr. Thompson goes back to 1967-71 when I was an undergraduate and was introduced to Sport History by John Lucas and Ron Smith. In 1977 I came back to PSU for my Ph.D. and Jim was one of the three sports historians on my Doctoral Committee, but then I left in 1982 for Berlin and spent 5 years in Germany. When I returned to finish my dissertation Jim enthusiastically continued on my Committee. This relationship continued right up to recent times when I needed job references as he was my boss during the years I was an Instructor in Physical Education (then changed to Exercise Science). He was always one of the most calm, dignified and professional people in the profession that I have ever known. Even though I never completed my dissertation he continued to support me and not that long ago suggested that I re-form my committee and "get it done!" Jim was an outstanding teacher, historian and supervisor - I will miss him very much. It was an honor to work with him and know him.
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Roger Sweeting, posted a condolence
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Arlene, I have just learned of Jim's passing. You may recall that he and I were fellow grad assistants at PSU in 1962-63, and then friendly coaching rivals at New Kensington and Behrend campuses, respectively. Count me among the many who will miss him, and continue to respect him.
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Becky Trunzo, posted a condolence
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Dear Arlene, Ellen, Chrissy and all the family... I was so sad to hear of Jim's death. He was truly a great man. I have fond memories of the PSU trip to Greece with your whole family and doing my master's degree under Jim, John Lucas, and Ron Smith. I will miss practicing what little Greek I know on Jim when we passed one another at Wegmans. Our prayers with all the family. Thinking of all of you with love.
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Susan Enck, posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Jim and Arlene were both so fun and encouraging from the time I started teaching in State College. Jim came in with his slides of Greece to talk to my mythology classes. The combination of his scholarship, kindness and humor was irresistible.
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Susan Rayl, posted a condolence
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Dr. Jim Thompson's passing, and my deepest sympathies go out to his family. How blessed I was to attain my doctoral degree from Penn State and for Dr. Thompson to serve on my committee. In addition to the great knowledge on Ancient Greek Athletics that he imparted, he was a tremendous role model for me, and in part laid a basis for how I teach my students today: Joy, Respect, and Arete. I will forever be indebted. Thank you Dr. Thompson - your legacy continues.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy, Jim was a mentor, professor and friend. He was truly a great man who will be remembered by all of those whose lives he touched.
Dr. Pat Gerity, (Bethel Park, PA)
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Karen Schlenke-Brown, posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Mr. and Mrs. Thompson always welcomed us, Ellen"s friends, into their home. It was like being another daughter. Thank you, Mr. Thompson, for enriching our lives. Your love will be missed, but carried forward by many. With heartfelt sympathy.
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Jordan Griswold, posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
My sincere condolences to the Thompson family. I had Dr. Thompson for his class on ancient Greek athletics, and it was definitely one of the more engaging courses I took at PSU. Dr. Thompson would always encourage his students to do their best work, and to find interest in history - even if it wasn't their strong suit. One of the things I admire most about him is that he would encourage students to become well versed, both in their education AND in their athletic endeavors. I'll always remember his kindness and his passion for education. He will surely be missed.
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Bill Asbury, posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Jim is a great friend and role model. His commitment to family, sense of humor (Greek god), competitive spirit and devotion to education are among the most memorable qualities he possessed. His was a life well lived, one that he could not have imagined as a young man, but was clearly proud of in his later years. He is missed.
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jere willey, posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Dear Ellen and family,
I was deeply moved to hear of Jim's passing. My sincere sympathies to all his family.
I met Jim through the sport of racquetball ions ago and played with him up through this year. What a kind, thoughtful and just a good, good person he was. A real gentleman and I feel proud to be able to call him a friend.
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Jenn Anderson posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Dear Arlene and Family,
Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Dr. Thompson was an exceptional individual and professor. Even though I only had him for one semester, he taught me so much, particularly to be passionate about what you love. Dr. Thompson had a great sense of humor. You could be having the worst day and he could make you laugh, especially when he started talking about his 100 yard dash record. Dr. Thompson will be dearly missed. Stay strong and know you have an amazing angel watching over you.
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Wayne Gersie, posted a condolence
Tuesday, April 29, 2014
My deepest condolences to the entire Thompson family. I had Dr. Thompson for class and he was one of the few professors who could draw me in and keep truly engaged. Until very recently when I saw him around town with his wife or on campus, we would reminisce about class. A great teacher and a good man. May he rest in peace.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
You truly were the best person I've ever known. What a tremendous loss to all the people who had the great privilege of meeting you!
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Dave Gingher, posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Jim was a class act, an outstanding person who I became friends with at the Kern building on campus back in 1980 when we met as a group for coffee every morning for several years. Jim was a very special person , he is truly one of the Greats who represented Penn State, what a big loss for all who knew him, I wish the family the best at this very difficult time.
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Suzie Liebscher posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Dear Ellen and family,
We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your father. Such a wonderful man will be greatly missed. May the memories and life lessons he taught be with you during this difficult time. Please let us know how we can help. Our prayers are with you,
The Liebscher Family
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Jim Nendel, posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Dear Ellen and family:
As one of Jim's grad students I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was one of a kind and I cannot tell you how much I learned from him about Greek culture, sport, and mostly about life and how to live it with arete and honor. I am so blessed to have been able to spend time with him as his TA and in classes at Penn State. He took time for me and my family and genuinely cared. His influence still is seen in my life and I know you are saddened but all of heaven is rejoicing as Jim is there teaching how everything relates back to the Greeks!! :) Again my condolences to you but also a thanks for sharing a special man with the rest of the world!!
God Bless you.
Jim Nendel
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Dear Arlene and family-
I was devastated to learn of Prof. Thompson's sudden passing. He was a wonderful, loving and generous man. He taught me so much during my time at Penn State notably, passion, humility,humor and grace.I still use many of his classic jokes when teaching my sport history courses in California.
My son James still sleeps with the Winnie-the-Pooh soft toy that Prof. Thompson gave him as a baby. He was more than a mentor. He was a personal friend. He will be greatly missed!!
God Bless,
Matt Llewellyn and Family xx
Fullerton, CA
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Synthia Sydnor, posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
To Professor Thompson's family,
We convey our deepest sympathy; please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. The love and knowledge gifted us graduate students in the 1980s by Jim lives on throughout classrooms around the world in our professorships and in the students of students whom Professor Thompson influenced with his vibrant significant scholarship.
In sincere sympathy,
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Dear Ellen & family,
our condolences out to you and your family. May God send you peace and laughter with so many great memories.
Kevin Folk & family
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Ellen and family; So very sorry to hear of the passing of your father. Knowing him over the years was truly an honor, what a warm, friendly and compassionate person he was. While Jim so very much enjoyed talking about his wonderful family, he was always interested in hearing about what was happening in my life, with my family, a special person indeed. Lori and I send our deepest sympathies to you, Dana and your entire family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Take care, Rob & Lori Geiger
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Marcia Kramer, posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Arlene, Ellen and Crissy,
We were shocked and devastated to learn of Jim's passing. We have such fond memories of you as a family and Jim's intense love and protectiveness, as well as pride in, all of
you. We are also saddened to miss the viewing as we are still in Florida - however, Kim is with us this week and we have spent a great deal of time talking about our time together with your family. We send our love.
Marcia and John
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Lew Rodrick, posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Arlene,
I am so sorry to hear of Jim's death. He was a great person and I always enjoyed meeting him in supermarkets or downtown, from time to time.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
I have very fond memories of Jim from our days of working in Rec Hall -- Jim in Required Phys. Ed and I worked in the football office. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathy to his family. He was a wonderful person and I am happy to have known him. Cheryl Norman
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Monday, April 28, 2014
Thank you for your service to our great country! R. I. P.
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Anonymous posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Michael J Pappas Altoona Pa To the entire Thompson family you have the entire Pappas familys deepest sympaties Jim was a great freind anmd wonderfull human being I will truly miss our sunday conversations at Holy Trinity church and will miss his knowledge of PSU football as well He was a wonderfull human being
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Jane Campbell, posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Dear Arlene, Ellen, and Chrissy, it is with a heavy heart that I send my condolences for your tremendous loss. I will always carry the warmest memories of our wonderful times together and of Jim's warmth and brilliant sense of humor. I send my love to your family and hold you in my thoughts.
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kathleen backus cocolin, posted a condolence
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Arlene, Ellen and Chrissy; it is with the deepest sadness I write you. Your dad's/Jim's obituary was so very perfect--it touched every aspect of his wonderfulness. I was so shocked and heartbroken to hear of his passing. I have so many wonderful memories of you all. We will never forget the sticky bun moment after I first met Jim. My deepest sympathy to you. I will see you at the viewing. Much Love, Kathleen
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