James L. Thompson, Sr.

James L. Thompson, Sr., 58, of Coatesville, PA, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Chester County Hospital in West Chester.

Born in Coatesville, he was the son of the late Michael J. Thompson, Sr. and Yvonne Melvin Thompson. He was affectionately known as Jamie or Jimmy by his family and friends.

James was a beloved race car enthusiast and a cherished family man, known for his passion for cars and his humble spirit.

His love for cars and drag racing began at a young age. His journey as a racer started on the streets, where he quickly made a name for himself. He spent countless exhilarating moments at Cecil County and Maple Grove Raceway, driving his iconic red Mustang 5-speed LX and the legendary white Thunderbird known as the “Torque Master.” James was widely known for his exceptional racing skills, racking up high all-time scores and winning many awards throughout the years.

His love for cars extended far beyond the racetrack, as he was a talented auto mechanic whose expertise and dedication were unmatched. He had the remarkable ability to take a car apart and put it back together with ease. He often found joy in painting his cars white, a testament to his meticulous attention to detail and creativity.

Outside of racing, James cherished every moment spent with his beloved grandchildren, who were the light of his life. Family cookouts filled with laughter and music were a treasured staple in his life.

James was also a familiar face at Turkey Hill, where he enjoyed picking up scratch-offs and indulging in his favorite hot dogs, finding happiness in life’s simple pleasures. His legacy of love, laughter, and racing will forever remain in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Leroy Thompson, Jr.; his sister, Carla Denise Thompson; and his brother, Troy Thompson.

James is survived by his sons, Jimmy "JimmyLee" Thompson (Shayla) of Parkesburg and Carleton M. Thompson of Coatesville; his daughter, Jasmine Stafford of Philadelphia; his brothers, Michael J. “Stinker” Thompson, Jr. of Parkesburg and Dwayne Anthony Thompson of Dickson City; his close friends who were like brothers, Kenny Oxendine and Shaun Rogers; his mother-in-law, Pilar Perry; 17 grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

James’s spirit will continue to race on in our hearts, a beacon of joy and inspiration that will never fade. He will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

Services will be held at 4:00 PM, on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, 107 S. 17th Avenue, Coatesville, PA. A viewing will be held from 2:00 PM until 3:45 PM.

Interment will be held privately. The recording of the service is below the video slideshow.

Family and friends may share condolences at the guestbook link on this memorial page. All are welcome to light a candle or share a picture in his memory.