James “Ross” Thompson, age 85, passed away on January 30, 2025, in Okmulgee. He was born on February 28, 1939, in Macon, Mo. to Charles and Marjorie (Newkirk) Thompson on the family farm.
Ross earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Northeast Missouri State Teacher’s College and a Master of Divinity Degree from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Ross married Laveta Jones on August 20, 1961. Ross pastored in Missouri until he and Laveta were appointed as missionaries with the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention. They served as missionaries in Colombia and Ecuador for 30 years. After retirement from the IMB, Ross continued in ministry, supply preaching and then pastoring for another ten years. He and Laveta recently moved to Okmulgee to be closer to family.
Because of his friendly nature, Ross never met a stranger and quickly drew people into conversation. He liked to hunt and fish and was an avid horseman. He enjoyed farming and being outdoors. However, his true passion in life was sharing God’s love and the Good News of Jesus Christ.
Ross is preceded in February 28, 1939 – January 30, 2025
death by his parents, an infant sister, Dorthy Sue, sister, Mary Baker, and brother, John Thompson. He is survived by his wife Laveta Thompson, daughter Teresa Rowland and husband Bill of Okmulgee, son Charles Thompson and wife Amy of Urbana, Maryland, brother David Thompson and wife Marie, grandchildren Philip Rowland and wife Angela, Dayla Rowland, Colin Thompson, Will Thompson, and great-grandchildren Micaiah Rowland, Emmett Rowland, Joseph Rowland, and Hananiah Rowland.
Funeral services for Ross will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Atlanta Baptist Church in Atlanta, Mo. Viewing will be prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. February 6, 2025, at Atlanta Baptist Church. Officiating the service will be Rev. Chance Glenn and Rev. Bill Rowland. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery in Macon, Mo.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention at www.imb.org/generosity/ give-now or by mail: 3806 Monument Ave., Richmond, VA 232303932, or to Atlanta Baptist Church, 319 N. Atterberry St., Atlanta, MO 63530.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Ross’ Tribute Page at www. mcclendon-winters. com.
