Jimmie Doyle Thompson's Obituary
Jimmie Doyle Thompson was born in Oklahoma on June 24, 1928, to Leo and Edna Thompson. He had two siblings, a brother Leo Jr., and a sister Mary. His family moved to Oakland, California in 1941 (D-Day), and when Jimmie was seventeen, he met Diane Milliken on a blind dance date. After graduating high school in 1946, Jimmie joined the Army, and after the war ended, he and Diane were married in Reno, Nevada in 1947.
Jimmie joined the Oakland Fire Department in 1950 and served for 29 years. He was very respected by his fellow firefighters and retired as a Captain. Jimmie then owned an industrial mop business for about 10 years. He also got his real estate license and worked as a part-time realtor. From 1986-2006, Jim went into business with his son Jeff at Alameda Collision. Jim and Diane had four boys (Rick, Steve, Jeff, and Kirk), and later four lovely daughters-in-law, seven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. Jim and Diane joined Bay Farm Church in 2003 and were active members. Unfortunately, Diane died in 2005.
Jim had lots of hobbies. He was a big Raiders, A’s, and Warriors fan. He liked to golf, fish, hunt and go boating. He also liked to meet with his firefighter buddies once a month for breakfast at Elio’s. Jim oversaw the Oakland Fire Department annual picnic for many years. Jim was also a member of the Sequoyah Country Club, Elks Lodge, Rotary Club, Columbo Club, and the Encinal Yacht Club.
Jim met Neva Phillips in 2013 and they dated for a few years before getting married on January 8, 2016. At that time, Jim added two more children, four more grandchildren and two more great-grandchildren to his life. Jim and Neva liked to travel, golf and dance. They loved spending time together.
Sadly, Jim passed away on July 21, 2023, at the age of 95. Jim will be greatly missed and always remembered for the great love he had for his family and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Bay Farm Church, 3189 Mecartney Rd, Alameda, CA 94502, with a reception to follow. Please stay to eat, encourage Jim’s family, and share stories about Jim.
In lieu of flowers, Jim requested that donations be made to Bay Farm Church, where he was an active member since 2003.
What’s your fondest memory of Jimmie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Jimmie?
Share a story where Jimmie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jimmie you’ll never forget.
How did Jimmie make you smile?