James "Pee Wee" Lee Thompson

James Lee “PeeWee” Thompson, 85, of Pawnee Oklahoma passed from this life on September 16, 2022.

Jim was born on September 28, 1936 in Green Bay, Wisconsin to Damon McLester and Elvina Thompson. He was an enrolled member of the Oneida Nation. He attended high school at Haskell Institute in Lawrence, KS. While there he played football and earned his nickname “PeeWee”. After high school, he would attend college at Bacone in Muscogee, OK. After college, from 1956-1961, Jim enlisted in the United States Navy. He was a class II diver aboard the USS Florikan (ASR-9) a chanticleer-class submarine rescue ship.

While at Haskell, Jim met Lorena Johnson and would later marry her and have 4 children. He would eventually make his home in the yellow house on the corner, in Pawnee, Ok with his children. He would retire from the Indian Health Service as the facility manager.

He was also a professional bowler with even a stint on ESPN. He was also an avid golfer. Bowling and golfing would take him all over the country to participate in various tournaments. In later years, if he was not mowing, you could find hi at RanchBurger in the mornings for coffee and “Jim’s Special”, a biscuit and gravy with a scrambled egg on top. In the evenings, you could find him at a softball, football, basketball game, depending on the season. He found great happiness and pride in supporting his grandkids and great grandkids. Jim was always on the go, to the very last day.

Jim was a stranger to no one and could charm anyone with his stories. He was a consistent contributor to various charities and organizations. He was always willing to help in some way. He was a member of the Pawnee Indian Baptist Church for many years, where he sang in the choir at one point and would donate the fruit for the Christmas program. He was also willing to help in fixing the church’s heating and air unit if needed since this was one of his many talents.

He as preceded in death by his parents and one daughter, Ladonna “Bugsy” Thompson. He is survived his sons, Marlin “Kayo” Thompson, Faron Thompson and Angela Adson, Jake, and Randi Thompson. His grandchildren, Nicole Ann Thompson, Tyler James Thompson, London Sixx Thompson, Reanna Thompson, Marlene Thompson, Orlando Avery, Melissa White, Nick Nott, Taylor Nott, Jennifer Thompson, Jamie Moore, Ashley Thompson, Dustin Thompson, Justin Thompson, and Cody Thompson. He was exceptionally proud of his 28 great grandkids, 2 great great grandkids and 1 on the way.

Jim’s last wishes were to be cremated and returned to the sea, which he so loved.