Obituary of James William Thompson
James William Thompson, son of Samuel and Eunice Thompson, was b. at
French Table, Nebraska and departed this life February 1,1985, at the Sargent
Community Hospital at the age of 97 years and one month.
He resided in the French Table community until 1917 when he left to serve in World
War I. He served in Germany with the 355th Infantry, 89th Division, Company M.
He returned home sometime after the Armistice was signed because he was
hospitalized due to being wounded.
On his return to the United States he received his discharge from Camp Funsten
and returned to work on his father's farm. February 17, 1922, he was united in
marriage to Mary Govaerts. They made their home on a farm in Round Valley
until he retired.
In the spring of 1946 they moved to Broken Bow and resided there until their health
failed. He spent the last six years in the Sargent Nursing Home.
He was a faithful and loving husband and father to his wife and three stepchildren.
He was also very kind and generous to others who needed help or a home and a
number received his care and kindness.
When the gospel of salvation came, he received the Lord into his heart and life and
kept true to that choice until the end came.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and two brothers, Samuel and
George of Bakersfield, California. He leaves to mourn his passing two stepsons and
their wives, Lester and Vivian Govaerts of Broken Bow, NE; and Donald and Betty
Govaerts of Lincoln, NE; and one stepdaughter, La Verna Govaerts of Sargent, NE;
five grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, one great great grandchild; one sister,
Mary Lee of California; one nephew, George Thompson, of Bakersfield, California;
several nieces, and a host of friends.
Services were held Monday, February 4,1985, at Govier Brothers Chapel with
Carey Tsunemori and Neal Hermsmeyer officiating. Music was by Margaret Kleeb
at the organ and Chuck Kleeb and Pam Jelinek with a duet.
Pallbearers included Eric and Lex McDaniel, Jim and Kenneth Govaerts, and Loyd
Kleeb and Steve Haumont. Honorary pallbearers were John McDaniel, Bob Kleeb,
Myron Kleeb, Sam Scott, Oliver Bryner and Earl Kleeb.
American Legion presented Military rites at the burial site. Memorials in Willie's
memory may be given to the Sargent Hospital or the Sargent care home. Burial was
in the Broken Bow Cemetery with Govier Brothers Mortuary in charge of
arrangements.