This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: KENNELLYMARKA Surnames: Thompson,Christian,Bagnoni,Casey.Romanowicz.Carroll.Konkel,Burdick,Stevens, Classification: obituary Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.thompson/18700/mb.ashx Message Board Post: James N. Thompson, age 72, fell asleep in the Lord peacefully at home surrounded by his family, Friday, October 8, 2010. Born July 20, 1938 to C. Gail and Norma (Christian) Thompson, Jim graduated from East High School in 1957 and over the years served as one of the school's staunchest supporters. Mr. Thompson also attended Gannon University. He served in the U.S. Army's 142nd Military Police Company graduating from Provost Marshall General School. Owner and operator of Rosebud Flower Shop since 1957, he conducted business out of the building once the family grocery store. Thompson also spent many years working for Christian Services for Children placing 58 children from South America, 7 from Korea and 2 from India into loving homes in the United States. He was an avid hockey fan, rarely missing an Otters game and enjoyed watching the Steelers with his friends and family. Jim had three loves in his life; his family, the City of Erie which he loved passionately and being a florist. He was an original organizer of the first neighborhood watch groups leading to his involvement in the Erie politic! al scene. Currently in his fourth term on Erie City Council, he served as president in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2010 and re-formed the Vacant Property Review Committee. During his time on council, he was befriended and mentored by the late Mario Bagnoni and was often referred to as one of the "three amigos" along with Bagnoni and former councilmen Jim Casey. Re-establishing interest in the Sister City relationships, Thompson developed strong ties with Zibo, China, traveling twice to our sister city. In addition, he established an association with Lublin, Poland and orchestrated numerous student exchanges over his six visits to Poland. Thompson also led two delegations to Dungarvan, Ireland where he is revered as a legend for his efforts in building a strong friendship between our cities. Most recently, Jim was successful at re-establishing a sister city relationship with Merida, Mexico. He was a founding member of the Friends of the Poor, a group of east-side florists working tirelessly to provide 4th of July festivities to thousands in our community over the past 21 years. Four years ago the group expanded their efforts to include a Christmas celebration for young people living in the lower east side. He was a member of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church where he served on their Board of Trustees. He is one of the few remaining lay Brothers of the Community of the Way of the Cross. Mr. Thompson served as national board member of the International Floral Transworld Delivery (FTD), an advisory board member of 1-800-Flowers, Director of District 3-D for Floral Transworld Delivery, Past President of Erie Allied Florists and past Director of the State Floral Association. In addition he was a life member and past president of the Erie Maennechor Club. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife JoAn Romanowicz Thompson, and seven children, Cindy and husband Mark Konkel, Dr. Mark and wife Laurie Thompson, Gregory, Rodrigo, Cecelia, and Matthew Thompson and Ruth and husband Brian Carroll. Survivors also include several grandchildren, Joel and wife Kelly Konkel, Amy Konkel, Josh and Caitlyn Thompson and Rosealena Thompson Carroll. He is further survived by his sister and brother-in-law Susan and Kenneth Burdick, sister-in-law Pauline Stevens, brother-in-law Ronald Romanowicz and several nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Arrangements are under the direction of the Mark G. Razanauskas Funeral Home, 701 East Avenue. Friends are invited to call at East High School 1001 Atkins Street, Erie PA 16503 Sunday, October 10th from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Monday, October 11th from 3 p.m.until Panachida is celebrated at 6 p.m. A memorial service will be celbrated at 7 p.m. led by Pastor Don Fisher from First Assembly of God of Erie. Burial will be follow at Lakeside Cemetery. Jim had requested a Requiem Divine Liturgy be celebrated in order for those closest to him to witness the beauty of the service in the Church he loved so much, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. Memorial contributions may be made to The ANNA Shelter 1555 East 10th Street Erie, PA or to The Friends of the Poor 2703 Buffalo Road Erie, PA 16510. Published in the Erie Times-News on October 9, 2010 . St. Nicholas Orthodox Church. " First Assembly of God ," Razanauskas" Funeral Home, 701 East Avenue. Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.