Obituary of James Thompson

Thompson, James Albert III (Tommy). I was born the first half of the last century in 1949, in East Tennessee. I was raised in Southwest Virginia, where the blue grass grows four feet tall and the whip-poor-wills sing. I have been endearingly known as Tommy all my life. I was given the gift of having great parents, who taught me hard work, patience, gratitude, kindness and love of mankind. I was preceded in death by my father, Dr. James A. Thompson, Jr.; and my wife, Dr. Patricia Mary Hays. I am extremely proud of my children, Erin Lally Thompson and Annie Thompson Frankfort, as well as my son-in-law, Stuart, who have all been my rock. I am also survived by my mother, Valeria Maxwell; sister, Dr. Charlotte Campbell and her husband, Robert and their family; brother, John Thompson and his wife, Judy and their family; sister, Lou Voelker and her husband, Charles; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. I would like to thank Ann Barry, who has been a friend and confidant beyond belief; and my four-legged friend, Niyak. I also want to thank the entire Hays Family, Gerry Mendez, Marty Starkman, Mary Crossland and all my friends for helping me through life and relieving my suffering. I spent 17 years at the Medical College of Virginia and over 20 years with Virginia Cardiovascular Specialists and loved every minute. I was third generation to graduate from MCV, where I met my late wife. I would like to especially thank Dr. Michael Hess, who offered me so much as a mentor. I have always tried to practice medicine with kindness and gratitude, which seems to have gotten lost today. I would like to thank the thousands of patients that confided in me. They gave me immensely more than I gave them. With family by his side, James Albert "Tommy" Thompson, 64, passed away due to complications fo Multiple Myeloma on May 22, 2014. The family wil receive visitors at Bliley's-Central, 3801 Augusta Ave., Richmond, Va., from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2014. A private burial will be held at Hollywood Cemetery the following day. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to your charity of choice. This is a courtesy announcement by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory.