Obituary of James Robert Thomson

James Robert "Jim" Thomson, 78, of Delhi passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday December 6, 2024 following a brief illness.

Jim was born in Delhi in 1946 to Kathryn (Burch) and Robert F. Thomson. Jim grew up on the Thomson family farm on the Little Delaware. He entered the family insurance business in the mid-1960's and moved to Albany in 1971 to pursue a career in the insurance industry.

While in Albany, Jim worked for the Professional Insurance Agencies Association overseeing regional agency enrollments. He later held positions with Reliance Insurance Company and the A.W. Lawrence Agency.

Jim returned to Delhi in 1979 and in 1980 purchased the Robert F. Thomson Insurance Agency. Over the next few decades, Jim and his wife Nancy worked to expand the business, eventually opening branch offices in Arkville, Milford, and Walton. Jim retired in 2012 following the sale of the agency.

Jim was an active volunteer in the local community. He was passionate about supporting local business and expanding economic development opportunities for Delaware County. He was an active board member of the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce and served as board president for multiple terms. He was first elected Chair of the Delaware County IDA in 1986 and was instrumental in the formation of the Delaware County Local Development Corporation in 1998. He served in leadership roles for all three organizations until his passing.

Jim played as hard as he worked. He had a lifelong love of cars and driving fast. Over the years he owned a number of antique and performance cars. Eventually he became a licensed amateur race car driver participating in races throughout the northeast. Watkins Glen Racetrack was a second home to him where he built enduring friendships around the love of motorsports. He was a passionate fan of college and professional basketball. A joy for him was attending Syracuse University men’s basketball games with his daughter and her family. Jim loved a good meal and a good joke. He will be long remembered as the host of multiple legendary parties and capers.

Jim is survived by his wife, Nancy Gloeckner Thomson, daughter Brenda Thomson Greenfield, son-in-law Eric Greenfield, his beloved granddaughter Abigail Greenfield, his siblings John (Susan) Thomson and Kathleen (Kevin) Sullivan, brother-in-law Geoff Gloeckner, several nephews, and a niece.

At Jim’s request, no funeral services will be held. The family will attend a private interment at Woodlawn Cemetery. Donations in Jim’s memory can be made to O’Connor Hospital via checks made to Friends of Bassett mailed to 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326 or online at give.bassett.org.

Arrangements are with MacArthur and Hall & Peet Funeral Home in Delhi. Expressions of sympathy may be made online at www.hallandpeet.com