Alfred ‘A.J.’ Jay Thompson

Alfred “A.J.” Jay Thompson, 82, passed away, Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at his home after several years of health problems. A.J. was a saved man, he had turned his life to Jesus. All sins had been forgiven, and we are sure he is resting, pain free with his Lord and Savior.

A.J. was born in Brazil on Nov. 2, 1939 to the late Max and Helen “Honey” (Harris) Thompson. He attended Van Buren High School, and started working for his father driving work horses in the woods. As he got older, his love for big horses grew and he became the owner and operator of Thompson Logging.

He married Candace Cox on March 24, 2003.

In his spare time A.J. enjoyed playing poker and euchre as well as running his dogs, winning many awards in coon hunting and showmanship. His love for horses drew him to competing in horse pulls throughout his life. He was a teacher to many young men wanting to learn to successfully drive a team of pulling horses.

A.J. was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Millard Cox; siblings Charles “Chuck” Thompson, Patty Thompson, Joy (Elmer) Trout and Jimmy Thompson.

Survivors include his wife, Candace Cox Thompson; children Debbie Hutcheson, Cindy Davis, Chad (Leah) Thompson, Alfie (Carrie) Thompson, Becky (Wayne) Taylor, David (Lori) Niewald and B.J. (Jayme) Frazee; brother Randy (Marg) Thompson; mother-in-law Nancy K. Cox; sisters-in-law Dawn (Butch) Johnston, Julie (Mike) Pell and Nora (George) Crowder; 19 granchildren; 21 great grandchildren; as well as several nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

Moore Funeral Home in Brazil was entrusted with A.J.’s cremation arrangements.