James Thompson

James Thompson, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on November 17th, 2018 at his home in Iselin, NJ due to complications from pneumonia.

A Native of Metuchen, NJ, he was born on November 3rd, 1943. 

Jim Thompson was affectionately known by his many musical friends as “Mr. Bassman” and “The Rock.” He has been performing for many years playing rhythm guitar and bass. His influences were Rhythm & Blues, Rock, Country, Bluegrass and Gospel.  His love of music began at an early age. As a teen, Rhythm & Blues heavily influenced him and he taught himself to play guitar.  At the age of 15 he was in his first band called the “Dynamics” who later performed for thousands of people at the New York World’s fair in 1964. For over fifty years, he has been a very active performing musician. He has spent many years with local bands and has performed at many New Jersey and Pennsylvania venues including the annual Philadelphia Folk Festival. For the past 20 years, he has been the bass player for the “WDVR-Heartlands Hayride” radio show and also played with several other local bands in PA and NJ. His musical talents include playing electric and upright bass and rhythm guitar. And as for his love of singing, he was hooked on harmony.  He always took his music very seriously, and made it the driving passion in his life.    The magnitude of his life and impact can only be measured by the thousands of people that heard him play over the years and the countless musicians that have shared the stage with him.

He is survived by his brother Richard Thompson of California, wife Kelly Thompson, daughter Holly Lynn Thompson of Long Island, NY, Son Daniel James Thompson of Longview Texas, Son Jeff Thompson and his wife Debbie of Belvidere, NJ, three grandsons Steven, Michael and Jason Thompson of Belvidere NJ, and many nieces and nephews and their families.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 24th, 2018 from 9am-1pm at the GOSSELIN FUNERAL HOME, 660 New Dover Road, Edison, NJ.  Following the visitation, a “Celebration of Life Service” will be held at the First Baptist Church of Metuchen (225 Middlesex Ave. Metuchen, NJ 08840).

Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made to the 

American Cancer Society P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123

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