In Memoriam: James "Jim" Thompson
July 1, 2026
We are saddened to share the passing of alumnus James "Jim" Thompson, who died peacefully on June 3, 2026, in Winchester, Massachusetts.
Jim's life was an inspiring example of how education, determination, and service can open extraordinary opportunities. Raised on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, where his family lived on a sugar plantation, Jim credited his parents' unwavering support and the encouragement of a teacher at St. Joseph School in Hilo with helping him recognize his academic potential.
That foundation led him to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he earned degrees in Mechanical Engineering and Electrical Engineering with high honors. After graduation, Jim worked as an engineer on an oil barge in Africa during a cholera epidemic. The experience profoundly changed his life's direction, inspiring him to pursue medicine so he could help others more directly.
Jim went on to become an anesthesiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, dedicating his career to compassionate patient care. His passion for learning never waned. While practicing medicine, he returned to MIT to earn a master's degree in Mechanical Engineering, served as a visiting researcher at the National Institutes of Health, and received both NIH and Small Business Administration research grants.
Although his professional accomplishments were remarkable, Jim's greatest pride was his family. He was a devoted father to his three sons, Michael, Brian, and Andrew, whom he encouraged to value education, perseverance, and hard work. He also shared his love of tennis with family and friends, appreciating not only the sport but also the lifelong friendships and sense of community it fostered.
Jim is survived by his sons, Michael, Brian, and Andrew; his siblings, Ann, Neil, Leanne, Joan, Alan, and Steven; and Jane Thompson, the mother of his children, with whom he remained a close friend and partner in raising their family. He was predeceased by his parents, Melvin and Priscilla Thompson, and his sister, Gloria.
Jim will be remembered for his intellectual curiosity, humility, generosity, and lifelong commitment to education, innovation, and service. His legacy lives on through his family, the patients whose lives he touched, and the many colleagues, friends, and students inspired by his example.
The family has suggested that memorial gifts be made to St. Joseph School in Hilo, Hawaiʻi, honoring the school whose education, mentorship, and faith played such a significant role in shaping Jim's life and lifelong commitment to helping others.
Our condolences go to the family of James Thompson. May our prayers and thoughts bring comfort to his loved ones.
The family encourages friends and classmates to share memories of James using the link below.
James Obituary
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