James H. Thomson
May 16, 1937 ~ June 6, 2015
James H. Thomson Sr., 78, of Dyke Farm Road, died Saturday, June 6, 2015, at his home. He was born in Clark Summit, Pennsylvania, on May 16, 1937, a son of John and Phoebe (Price) Thomson. He graduated from Meriden High School in Meriden, Connecticut, class of 1955, and went on to earn an Associates Degree from New York State Regents. He married Patricia Thornton on September 7, 1962, in Elkton, Maryland after which he lived happily ever after. James H. Thomson Sr. served the nation with distinction as a member of the United States Coast Guard in assignments around the world. He held several command positions culminating as the commander of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Spar in South Portland, Maine where he retired on October 30, 1984 after 30 years of honorable service. Though he continued to work in retirement, Jims true passion was spending time with his family whom he loved dearly and giving back to the community as a active member of several community based organizations. He is predeceased by a brother, John Thomson. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Patricia; a daughter, Kelly A. Duquette and husband Roland of South Portland; two sons, John P. Thomson and wife Heidi of Searsport and James H. Thomson Jr. and wife Jennifer of Gloucester, Virginia; six grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, Andrew, and Conner Thomson and Charlotte and Eddie James Duquette; two great granddaughters, Leanne Thomson and Mackenzie Dutcher; and a sister, Phoebe A. Sugarman and husband Donald of Pittsfield, Massachusetts. Visiting hours will be 9:00 11:00 am Thursday, at Conroy-Tully Crawford South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated following visiting hours at 11:30 am at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Burial at sea will take place at a future date. To view Jims memorial page and express online condolences, please visit www.ctcrawford.com. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation to the Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital in Portland, Maine by visiting www.bbch.org .
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Jim was a great friend. My deepest sympathy to Pat and children. May Jim have fair winds and following seas. Bill
– Bill Mulkern
I was honored to have met Mr Thomson – he certainly was a man one would not forget. He was a kind soul – who loved his family. Our deepest condolences for your loss. His reflection is in all of you who carry his legacy, with the memories of a great man.
– Christine Noyes
With Heartfelt Sympathy to you allFrancine & David
– Francine Fox David Vaughan
our deepest sympathy to the family. our prayers to all.
– vincent & marlene coratella
Goodbye my shipmate and friend. We will meet again soon.
– LCDR Jim Marcotte USCG (Ret.)
our sympathy to the family
– marlene and vinny coratella
Our deepest sympathy to you all. We are sending prayers for comfort and peace and much love, Leslie and Michael
– Leslie and Michael Lavender
Pat and Family, please accept my most sincere condolences on the crossing of the bar by your beloved husband and father. I have the ultimate respect for Captain Thomson, and many fond memories of having served under his command. He was the epitome of a Commanding Officer who always had his crew’s back, and always accomplished the mission with gusto in fine stead. Tonight I will look into the night sky and give one final salute to the Captain. God and the angels have their hands full with this sailor! Semper Paratus.
– Terry Newell, CAPT, USCG (Ret)
Pat & family:I enjoyed the privilege of serving under Captain Thomson aboard The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter SPAR, homeported in South Portland.He was the ultimate sailor: a man of the sea; a man of honor; a family man; a true leader of men. He served as my professional role model, mentor and was in every sense of the word, my Captain.Fair winds, dear shipmate. You served our Coast Guard with distinction. I salute you, Sir.
– CDR John Ochs, USCG (Ret)