JAMES EDWARD THOMPSON SR.

James E. Thompson Sr., “Wambdi Okawinyha” (Circling Eagle), 81 of St. Michael, ND entered the Spirit world on December 10, 2011 at the Good Samaritan Center, Devils Lake surrounded by his loving family. The Wake for James will be held at St. Michael’s Recreation Center, St. Michael on Friday, December 16, 2011 beginning at 4:00 p.m. with a Rosary and Scripture Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael’s Recreation Center will leave at 3:00 p.m. on Friday from Wal-Mart. Mass of Christian Burial for James will be at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Saturday, December 17th at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Brian Moen celebrating the Mass. James will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery with military honors accorded by the Spirit Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Serving as Casket Bearers for James will be James “Jumbo” Thompson Jr., James “Baby James” Thompson III, Robert “Kojack” Thompson Sr., Donald Whiteman, Jeremy Demarce, Dennis Poni-Cappo Jr., Jarrett C. Smith Sr., Robert “Butch” Little Sr., and Robert “Spaze” Little Jr. and Calvin Thompson. Honorary Bearers: All Veterans of the Korean Conflict and World War II, all those who attended Sundances and Sweats, Senior Services Meals on Wheels, the Staff of the Rolette Care Center and the Devils Lake Good Samaritan Center, Robert “Baby Jack” Thompson Jr., Louella “LuLu” Thompson, Everett “Big Man” Thompson, James “GooGoo” Little, Alfred Thompson, Axel Neilson, Marvin Newgard, Bucky Joramo, Marie Baker, Duane Smith, Zachary Thompson, Daniel Kraft, George Cavanaugh, Andy Garcia, Charlie Thompson, Herby Cavanaugh, Doreen Johnson, Marshall Sandy, Peter Belgarde, Robert Hapa, Donnie Belgarde, Gary Geske, Russell Wallace, Arnie Calf Boss Ribs, Roger Cavanaugh, Walter Cavanaugh, Aloysius Cloud, Sam Merrick, John Tollefson and Cap and Mary Ann Cavanaugh. Music will be provided by Tony and Vina McDonald, Eugene Hale, Long Cloud Singers, Rhythm Riders and all drum groups are welcome. Processional wagon carrying James from Four Corners to the St. Michael Recreation Center will be escorted by the Spirit Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars, followed by the Sundance leaders, the Sundancers, and then riders. James Edward Thompson was born on August 6, 1930 at Fort Totten, ND the son of John and Gertrude (Chaske) Thompson. He went to school at Little Flower School in St. Michael. James entered the United States Army in 1952 at the age of 22 years old. He was stationed in Germany for 14 months. He then served during the Korean Conflict and was discharged on February 19, 1954. After being discharged from the service, he worked at various jobs. James did farm work for the Paul Woods family and for other surrounding area farmers. He worked for a time at the Culvert Plant and then at the Fort Totten Clinic in maintenance and as a driver. He also worked on construction in Minneapolis, in Devils Lake as a part of the construction crew working on the hospital, construction on the Commodity House, Sioux Manufacturing and for a pipeline company in Fargo, ND. In 1969, James met the love of his life, Mary Melinda Herald and they were united in marriage on May 8, 1974 in Minnewaukan. To this marriage a son was born, James E. Thompson Jr., their only child. James loved his grandchildren and was very happy when James Thompson III was born. He loved to visit and play card games with his many dear friends and beloved relatives. He took his family on numerous traveling escapades to Canada, Minnesota and South Dakota. He raised and taught James Jr. the Native traditional way of sweat lodges, sundances and ceremonial peyote meetings. He also loved hunting and family gatherings. James had a generous heart and helped everyone who needed help and never asked for anything in return. James is survived by his loving family. His son James “Jumbo” Thompson Jr.; grandchildren James Thompson III, Latasha Thompson and son Bennett BlackBird Jr., Fiona Thompson and son Kayden Jackson, Rashawn, Porsha, Cameron, Taylor and Paris Thompson, step-children, Vincent Herald, Virgil Herald, Theresa Herald-BlackBird, Jeanette Herald and Willis Herald; adopted daughters Pam Casey, Braton, California and Ronda McKay from Canada; godchildren, Louella Thompson, Lisa Nicholson, Brian Alberts Sr. and Gabrielle Young; my many beloved nieces, nephews and their families of my deceased brothers and sisters and other dear relatives. I loved you all. James was preceded in death by his loving wife Mary Melinda on April 13, 2010; parents John and Gertrude; sisters Mary and Agatha Thompson; brothers Mike, Francis, Moses and Ambrose Thompson and adopted bro Big Joe Chaske.