James Closs (Buddy) Thompson Jr, 72, passed away on Thursday, April 6, 2023. He was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on February 2, 1951. He lived in Ft. Lauderdale and Parkland, Florida before marrying Donna Wright in 1971 where they lived in Coral Springs, FL. He was an avid hunter, as many remember his airboat hunting stories he told, until moving to Live Oak where he worked at T&W Grassing doing roadside grassing and baling hay with his father. In 1984 he opened Precision Auto & Muffler and has been repairing automobiles, building racecars, airboat motors, carburetors, exhaust systems, etc. ever since. He enjoyed racing his Camaro, fishing and spending time with his family and grandchildren. He was a loving Husband, Father, "Pop", Brother, Son, Uncle and Great Friend to many. His stories, advice, and laugh will be greatly missed. He is preceded in death by his Father James Closs (Jimmy) Thompson along with many additional family members and close friends.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years Donna Thompson; sons James Ryon Thompson and Bradley (Dana)Thompson; Mother Alma Jean Thompson; Sister Donna Cox and Brother Garry (Alice) Thompson. Nieces Stacy Thompson, Jamie (Brandon) Roberts, Kelly (Dorian) Christian and Nicole (Zac) Apone; Nephews Chris Cox (Vanessa Mayne) and Cory Cox (Emily Koon); and Three Grand Children James "Junior" Thompson, Kori Thompson and Zayli Thompson. As his family mourns his passing, they are comforted in knowing he is at home with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A celebration of Buddy's life will be conducted on Saturday, April 15th, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Live Oak, FL with Rev. Phillip Herrington officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Haven Suwannee Valley Hospice Care Center, 6037 W US Hwy 90, Lake City, FL 32055; or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.