JAMES THOMPSON

AKWESASNE – After a brief illness, Mr. James "Shakaohetstha" Thompson, 95, of 94 Island Road, Cornwall Island, peacefully passed away Monday morning, April 11, 2016 at his home with his loving family by his side.

James was born September 25, 1920 in Cornwall, the son of the late Peter and Sarah Peters Thompson, and attended school on Cornwall Island. On November 11, 1946, he married Esther Marie Benedict at St. Regis Catholic Church.

James was a life-long farmer starting first with his father and then continuing on the family tradition. He also worked for a time with Benevento Brothers Wrecking Company in Rochester and also carved sticks at the Lacrosse Factory. He later worked as a carpenter for Mohawk Council. He was a communicant of St. Regis Catholic Church and a member of the Akwesasne Death Benefits Group. His greatest enjoyment was farming and gardening, having planted a full garden this past summer. He also enjoyed fixing "things," most notably bicycles. He also enjoyed watching wrestling, hockey, and soap operas.

James is survived by his loving wife of nearly 70 years, Esther; his children, Abraham and Esther David, Robert James and Lucyann Thompson, Norris and Sylvia Thompson, Velma and Leon Cook, Roger and Peggy Thompson, Lucille and Ronnie Cook, Luke Thompson and Kathy Herne, Timmy and Becca Thompson, Ruth and Sherwin Seymour, Maureen and Howie Jock, and Stephanie and Harvey Delormier; his chosen children, Sara Thompson and Brennon Thompson, all of Akwesasne; 46 grandchildren, 71 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild; his uncle, John "Jack" Leaf of Akwesasne; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Gloria Thompson on June 13, 2015; and two sons, Joseph Thompson in infancy and Alexander Hollis Thompson at age 13. He was also predeceased by his brother, John P. Thompson on December 17, 1999 and his sister, Marianne "Freda" Thompson on March 25, 1984.

Friends called at his home, 94 Island Road, from Tuesday until Thursday. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday, April 14, 2016 at 2:00 PM at St. Regis Catholic Church with Rev. Jerome Pastores celebrating. Burial will be held later in the spring in the Parish Cemetery.

Arrangements are with the Donaldson Funeral Home, Massena, where memories and condolences may be shared online at http://www.donaldsonfh.com.