James E. Thompson, Jr.

 A member of West Mifflin Community Baptist Church, James was a Navy veteran of the Korean War, a Democratic committeeman in West Mifflin, active member of West Mifflin #3 Volunteer Fire Department and Boy Scout leader. He also loved fishing, his dog and spending time in Big Bear Camp Lands in West Virginia. Born May 29, 1930 in Elkins, WV, he was a son of the late James E. Thornton, Sr. and Mary (Mercandino) Thornton.  He is survived by his wife, Patricia (Watson) Thompson; children, Saundra (Alvin) Strauser of West Mifflin, James (Sharon) Thompson of Cincinnati, OH, Linda (Robert) Stinner of West Mifflin and Susan (Rick) Catalogna of West Mifflin; 7 grandchildren, Ryan Strauser, Erik Strauser, Lauren Thompson, Sarah Thompson, Jessica Stinner, Robert Stinner and Katrina Catalogna; great granddaughter, Haleigh Strauser; sister, June Fox of West Mifflin; nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, James was predeceased by a sister, Ruth Edwards. Friends will be received in the A.J. Bekavac Funeral Home, 555 Fifth Street,  Clairton, PA 15025 (412/233-5700) on Friday, January 29, 2016 from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM. A funeral service will take place on Saturday, January 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. William Strauch officiating. Burial, with military honors, will follow in Lebanon Church Cemetery, West Mifflin. Offer condolences at www.bekavacfuneralhome.com