James "Jd" Thompson

James "JD" Thompson, 86, of East Peoria, passed away on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at Grand View Special Care Center in Peoria. He was born on June 24, 1936, in Birdtown, MO, to James O. and Thelma (Grisham) Thompson. He married his wife of 59 years, Pauline Pendergrass, on July 26, 1955; she preceded him in death on September 24, 2014.

He was also preceded in death by his son, James; sister, Barbara; and brother, Richard. His daughter, Darrah Strubhar of Pekin, peacefully joined him in heaven on December 27, 2022.

He is survived by 3 grandchildren, Craig (Jennifer) Strubhar, Aimee (Caesar) Shanine, and Ashley (Brandon) Duff; and 6 great-grandchildren.

JD worked for the City of East Peoria from 1973-1998, retiring as Director of Public Affairs. He volunteered with the Folepi Parade and designed the original Frosty and Rudolph floats. In his free time, he built steel guitars and enjoyed fishing.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or Susan G. Komen for the Cure.