By Dorothy K. LaMantia | Correspondent

Family members, friends, parishioners, and clergy gathered in St. John Church, Lakehurst, to remember, celebrate and give thanks for the life of Father James A. Thompson Oct. 8.  Msgr. Thomas Mullelly, diocesan vicar for clergy and consecrated life, representing Bishop David M. O’Connell, C.M. and Father Bernard Keigher, pastor, concelebrated the Mass of Christian Burial where Father Thompson was remembered as a devoted, compassionate shepherd and a model of faithful perseverance who loved his priesthood and the people he served.

Father Thompson died Oct. 3 in Jersey Shore University Medical Center, Neptune.  At age 95, he was the oldest priest in the Diocese.  In June he celebrated his 70th jubilee as a priest.

First assigned to St. Gabriel, Marlboro, he served in 15 different parishes during his priesthood, and also as chaplain of Emmaus House, Ocean Grove and the Knights of Columbus Council at Leisure Village West, Manchester. 

“We bring a myriad of memories here today,”   said Father Keigher in his homily.  “This weekend one couple recalled how the first time they brought their three small children here, Father T stood under the canopy at the church’s entrance welcoming people into Sunday Mass.  They remembered how welcome they felt by his presence at that door, which he did every time he celebrated Mass.

“For 23 years he worked in service to St. John’s.  From 1982 to 1989 he was pastor, and from ’89 to 2005 he was pastor emeritus, celebrating Masses on weekdays and on Sundays.  He was happy to be here, to help out in the office and to do whatever he could.  He created a masterpiece of a tapestry among coworkers, friends and parishioners making it into a parish family. What we must do is to continue to recognize the goodness and gift of his life and the gracefulness of this wonderful man and his gift to the Church.”

In his final remarks, Msgr. Mullelly expressed his sympathy to Father Thompson’s family, which included his niece Joann, nephew John, and his sister-in-law Elizabeth. “Thank you for sharing him with us.  He was a man of great faith.  He followed the Lord through the good times and bad, and persevered in spite of challenges.  He once wrote of his love for his parents, especially his mother.  His prayer was that someday he would be with her and the Lord.  He showed such trust, that we would all come as persons before the throne of God.”

Afterward parishioners offered their memories of the man often called “Father T.”

Dominican Sister Patricia Walsh of Emmaus House remembered  him as the man who celebrated Mass every  Thursday for the Sisters in retreat. “He was very good to us.  He was special: a great benefactor, a good friend, a humble man who was compassionate and never judged anyone.”

Mary Anne Dempkowski, parish director of religious education, said, “He was so caring and giving.  He was a remarkable man.  He was a wonderful confidante, a great listener.  He ministered to people with so much love and care.  He mentored me and guided me as I learned my job as DRE and was there for me like a dad.”

Parishioner Helen Ganzfuss recalled, “He was always open to talk and to listen.  He was warm, understanding, and patient.  Sometimes you felt rushed when you talked to a priest, but not Father Thompson.  He always had time.  I felt like I came home when I came here.”

Remembering her childhood in the parish, Victoria Benesch said, “I made my first Sacrament of Penance with him.   He was bright like sunshine, always made me laugh. But he was such a model of faith, if I ever have doubt in having belief, I could look at him and know that faith and belief is real.  [His passing] is so surreal, because I always expected him to be here.”