Jim "Paddlefoot" Thompson

James A. "Paddlefoot" Thompson, 76 of Higginsville, Missouri passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020, at Centerpoint Medical Center in Independence, Missouri. He was born Friday, December 31, 1943 in Bland, Missouri, and was the son of the late Otto Thompson and the late Blanche (Cox) Thompson. Jim graduated from Higginsville High School - Class of 1961. He married Lola (Goring) Thompson on July 31, 1981 and they joined their two families together creating one large blended family. Jim spent his career in transportation as a truck driver. Locally, he drove for Schloman Asphalt, A&J's Auto Salvage, Ash Grove, and Waller Trucking. Being a truck driver, Jim would use the CB radio to communicate. Paddlefoot was his CB radio handle. He was given the nickname "Paddlefoot" by co-workers because his feet were so huge. Jim loved racing. He especially enjoyed going to sprint car races and modified stock car races. He was fortunate enough to be able to attend Knoxville last year. He spent many days going to his grandkids events and sports games. Jim enjoyed spending time at the lake and drinking coffee around town with friends. Jim will be remembered as a loving father, a doting PaPa, and devoted husband. Paddlefoot will be sorely missed by his family, his friends, and his entire community. Surviving are his wife, Lola of the home; five sons, Jeff (Leesa) Thompson of Overland Park, KS, Jason Thompson of Higginsville, Vincent (Shiloh) Thompson of Higginsville, Matthew "Spud" (Monica) Hursman of Higginsville, and Tony Hursman of Nelson, MO; three daughters, Dana (Brad) Ottman of Westminster, CO, Penny (Kerry) Thompson of Grain Valley, MO and Dana (Danny) Long of Concordia, MO; one sister, Betty Glee Hayes of Slater, MO; twenty-five grandchildren; eighteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Bob Thompson and one sister, Phyllis Schieszer. A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Hoefer Funeral Home located at 1600 Main St. Higginsville, Missouri 64037 with the Rev. Glenn and Evelyn Elmore officiating. Interment will follow in the City Cemetery. Casket Bearers: Dallas Gooseman, Derek Goring, Nathan Hursman, Nick Perez, Wesley Thompson, Tate Workcuff. The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, November 30, 2020, at Hoefer Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made out to "Family Choice" and they will dedicate the funds according to Paddlefoot's wishes. Because of current health conditions, masks and social distancing are required.

Jim "Paddlefoot" Thompson

December 31, 1943 - November 26, 2020