James Luther Thompson

Today we remember a life lived with faith, song, enthusiasm and encouragement. Foremost, Luther was a motivator, a salesman and a cheerleader for others’ success. From childhood, his faith in God was a foundation for his life. Later in life his bookshelf would be filled with books on positive attitudes and motivation. His animated conversations were often about inspirational stories and ideas he absolutely needed to pass on. He loved this aspect of life and it flowed out of him. Sometimes known as the “Sunshine Rotarian,” he happily visited those in the hospital; and to those who were receptive, he offered a prayer and even a song of encouragement at their bedside. His exceptional contributions to his fellow Rotarians were formally recognized by the Club in a very special presentation in 2013.

Luther was born in Appleton, Arkansas November 19, 1919. Luther loved music and was blessed with a beautiful clear tenor voice. While Luther was in high school, a traveling mens quartet from Southern Nazarene College in Oklahoma City came to his small town and sang at his church. He was so inspired by the quality of these men and their music that he set as a goal that upon graduation from high school he would leave his small Arkansas town and go to the college they represented. When the time came, with no money for bus fare, Luther caught a ride on the back of a logging truck from Arkansas to Oklahoma City. Yes, on the back of a logging truck.

Once there, he quickly found a job selling shoes to pay his tuition, room and board, and began his college education. While at college, Luther continued to follow his musical interest, participating in church choirs and quartets. It was through these activities that he met and fell in love with a pretty and talented pianist named Norma. They were married in 1942. They would share 71 years together and raise three children. She was without doubt his highest treasure. Together, through playing and singing in the church, they would find and give joy to many. Many will recall Norma playing and Luther singing “O Holy Night” at Christmas annually for many years.

World War II came and Luther was drafted into the Army in 1942. He served in the physical fitness and reconditioning unit until 1945. Physical fitness remained a major component in Luther’s life. In fact after he retired, he was a regular at the YMCA in Bend and then Walla Walla until he was 94. After the war he returned to the shoe business he had worked for in college. He was a top salesman, and that success gave him the opportunity to manage shoe stores, first in Oklahoma City and then Wichita Falls, Texas. Impressed by Luther’s character and ability, a Christian businessman they met invited Luther and Norma to move to Eugene, Oregon to work with him. A new opportunity was exciting and they moved their young family to Eugene in 1952.

Luther first worked in retail appliance sales, but Luther and Norma later began their own business by purchasing rental property first in Eugene, and then later in Bend, Oregon. When their three children were raised, Luther and Norma moved to Bend for a few years, and then in 1996 decided to relocate to Walla Walla, Washington to be closer to family. Luther and Norma have loved Walla Walla and have a wonderful group of friends here. Although their pace slowed a bit, for some time they were active in the Presbyterian Church, including playing and singing. Luther also cherished the chance to be involved in both the Rotary Club, and the YMCA. Until he could no longer go, he found and gave camaraderie, excitement and encouragement in both of these organizations. They were very special to him. He never lost his love for singing. His grandchildren recall many times Grandpa singing them a song of encouragement or faith, even over the telephone.

Luther is survived by his wife Norma; three children, Carol (Dave) Larkin of Richland, Washington; Jim (Patti) Thompson of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and Dr. Susan Thompson of Walla Walla. Luther had six grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

Viewing & visitation will be held on Sunday, February 9, 2014 from 1:00 PM until 5:00 PM at the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA. A memorial funeral service will be at the First Presbyterian Church in Walla Walla on Monday, February 10, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. A reception will be held at the church following the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the First Presbyterian Church through the funeral home.