RICHFIELD SPRINGS - James Atwood Thompson, 71, of Sheridan Road, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2002, in Little Falls Hospital. He was born Dec. 19, 1930, son of the late Amos and Cecelia Atwood Thompson in Lampertville, N.J. James was raised and educated in New Jersey. Upon his completion of high school, he joined the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged in 1949. He furthered his education and obtained a degree in telecommunications. He was employed at A.T.&T. as a telecommunication technician for 33 years, retiring in 1984. On Feb. 15, 1975, he married Ruth Worth in the LaFayette Federated Church in LaFayette, N.J. In 1999, they moved from New Jersey and settled in Richfield Springs. James was a devoted and loving husband who had a special love for his children and grandchildren. Surviving are his wife of 27 years, Ruth; two sons, Jack Perry of Bethlehem, Pa. and Dennis Perry of Dingmans, Pa.; two daughters, Beverly Mathewson of Sussex, N.J. and Carol Vreeland of Wantage, N.J.; seven grandchildren, Jonathan Perry, Lisa Conklin, Benjamin Perry, Michelle VanDam, Christopher Perry, Amy Mathewson and Catherine Perry; and a brother, Marshall Thompson of Orlando, Fla. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James Thompson. A memorial service will take place Saturday, Aug. 31, at 2 p.m. in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 W. James St., Richfield Springs, with the Rev. Alan Miller, pastor of the Richfield Springs Bible Church, officiating. Memorial donations may be made to the Herkimer County Humane Society. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.