Generations of giving

Down-to-earth, quietly generous, and community minded are just a few of the words that come to mind when you think about Beverly and the late James (Jim) Thompson and their family.

Along with the generations of the family that came before them, they have been enriching communities across Ontario for more than 100 years.

Bev, Jim and their family will be honoured at the 2024 St. Joseph’s Tribute Dinner this October in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to care and research at St. Joseph’s and their strong commitment to helping people in the local community and beyond.

Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, Jim in London and Bev in Windsor, the Thompsons spent 71 years together until his passing in 2021 – building a life, nurturing a family of five children (Adair, Leslie, Ann, Robin and Gordon), 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and supporting the lives of others. Jim had a busy and fulfilling career as the president of Supertest Petroleum and, later, as president of Sunningdale Golf Club.

Bev and Jim gave generously of their time as volunteers, serving on boards and helping locally with countless organizations including Merrymount Family Support and Crisis Centre, the Scatcherd’s Children’s Centre, Huron College, the Salvation Army, SARI Therapeutic Riding and the YMCA.

They also gave of their time outside the local community, where Jim served on the board of Ridley College in St. Catharines, his alma mater, and was a founding board member of the University of Waterloo. Jim was also a very dedicated Honorary Colonel of London’s 1st Hussars regiment for 20 years.

A responsibility to help others

Feeling a great responsibility to support worthy causes and help others in need, Jim and Bev made it a priority to support health care, and St. Joseph’s was always at the top of their list.

From their first gift in the 1970s to their most recent support, the Thompsons have supported countless initiatives at St. Joseph’s – touching innumerable lives and enhancing vital and transformative care and research across the organization.

“We recognized the important work that St. Joseph’s was doing and were always impressed with their excellent reputation and wanted to support their work,” Bev said recently.

And feeling great compassion for those who are dealing with the anxiety and stress of a diagnosis of cancer, they became the lead donors to several pieces of imaging equipment, including an MRI with breast imaging capabilities – which, at the time, was a first in Canada.

Building on a century of community support

Beyond St. Joseph’s, the Thompsons quietly donated to many other local organizations that they believe are important for support – always doing their best for the London community at large.

“Our parents lived by the rule that those with the resources have a duty and a responsibility to be generous to the community and to those who have not had the same advantages in life,” says Adair.

Reflecting on her parents’ legacy of support, Leslie recalls hearing a story from former mayor Tom Gosnell about her father.

“Year and after year dad attended the Salvation Army’s Christmas dinner – oftentimes being the only guest there not in need. And after one such dinner, Dad inquired if there was anything that was needed and the mayor replied, new mattresses for the Salvation Army shelter. Dad said, ‘please purchase the mattresses and send me the bill,’’’ she shares.

“Dad often made donations anonymously and we only knew of his support when told by friends who were directly involved in the capital campaigns of various organizations,” she adds.

Passed on from generation to generation

The Thompson’s spirit of philanthropy was inspired by Jim’s father, J. Gordon Thompson. He was the founder of Supertest Pertroleum and a successful businessman who very much believed in the importance of giving back.

“Our dad told us about a childhood memory from the Great Depression of people lined up regularly at the back door of his childhood home to receive food,” says Adair.

And like his father before him, Jim inspired his children to always consider others, as did Bev. Each of the Thompson children is now involved in some way in their own communities.

“The example set by our grandfather and parents has inspired our own charitable giving and volunteerism,” says Ann.

“They set a good example by the way they lived their lives,” emphasizes Robin. “Supporting other people was very important to my parents and they encouraged us all to do the same.”

From community food banks, refugee organizations and arts and culture organizations such as the Grand Theatre and Stratford Festival, to academic institutions, children’s mental health care and large health care organizations – the members of the Thompson family continue to support the communities in which they live.

On October 9, St. Joseph’s Health Care Foundation will pay tribute to the Thompson family for all that they do at St. Joseph’s, in London and across Ontario.

Ever humble, the family is proud of the St. Joseph’s tribute and hopes that they can continue to set an example that will inspire others.

“St. Joseph’s has a long and valued history of providing excellent care in our community,” says Gordon. “As a family, we have had the opportunity to appreciate it at a governance level and through a significant patient experience, the unique and special culture and care provided at St. Joe’s. For our parents and family to receive this recognition and tribute is extremely heartwarming.”

St. Joseph’s Tribute Dinner will be held on October 9 at RBC Place London. Featured guest will be Dr. Hayley Wickenheiser, who will share her journey from a titan in sport to a health care advocate and physician. Tribute 2024 will also celebrate St. Joseph’s historic commitment to medical imaging and its internationally recognized work in molecular imaging and theranostics, a new and exciting frontier for cancer treatment.

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