CLICK HERE to download the Mass Booklet
Pontifical Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial
for the late Rev Fr James Thomson
will be celebrated in the
Cathedral Church of St Francis Xavier,
17 Wakefield Street, Adelaide on
MONDAY, December 23, 2024 at 10:00 a.m.
Please note: Parking is not available in the Cathedral Grounds
The Committal will follow in
the Catholic K Section, Centennial Park,
760 Goodwood Road, Pasadena.
The Mass will be broadcast by livestream.
Please use the link provided above.
In lieu of floral tributes, memorial donations to
St Vincent de Paul Society would be appreciated.
Envelopes will be available at the Church.
Donations can also be made using the link above.
12 September 1978 – 11 December 2024
Beloved son of Jasmine and Michael.
Cherished brother of Olivia and Hannah,
and brother-in-law of Charlie and Philip.
Adoring uncle of Noah, Oliver, Ava and Poppy.
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xo
James you were funny , thoughtful , in flip flops all year round even in the snow. We love you dearly x be at peace with God in his loving arms xxx
Dear James When I think of you I always see you smiling with happy sparkling eyes. I am sad that you were suffering and truly hope you have now found your peace and sanctuary. Lots of love. Xoxoxo
It’s so hard to find the right words in a moment like this, but even though it’s been many years since we have spoken, my heart is so full of memories of the times we shared. Growing up together, pre-drinks at the Moon in the square & Jazz Juice, there were so many good times, so many friends, so much laughter and so much fun. You were always at the heart of it. You were funny, calm, grounded, and a great listener. Your presence was a gift, always steady and always kind. You were one in a million, and I’m so grateful to have shared so many happy memories. Sending all my love to your lovely family, who meant everything to you. Rest easy, my friend Charlie xxx With love, Jane
Jasmine and Michael and all your family, we are so desperately sad for you all. We can't imagine your pain, but please know your beautiful boy and all of you in our prayers.
My teenage years are full of memories of us laughing till we cried! Feels like yesterday we were going out and enjoying life. You were always the life and soul of the party and I was proud to be your friend. Always wise with words of wisdom and layered with your cheeky smile. I will never forget you my dear friend Charlie xx
James, we can't believe you are gone. We have so many wonderful memories of you, filled with fun and laughter. Sneaking off from parties because you don't like goodbyes; and now the hardest goodbye of all. Forever in our hearts and never forgotten. We will miss you. Love from Garreth, Ali, Isla & Zac.xxxx
James, a friend of 40 years. I hope you have found peace. Heaven has gained a new star and I hope that you are having fun up there. Our days at St Catherine’s will always hold cherished memories. Take care buddy. Richard
My condolences to you all, a tragic loss to everyone who knew him, I hope you have found peace my friend.
James so many years have passed since I last saw you but remembering our school days together such a lovely person sending all my love and sympathy to you and your family rest in peace xx
James, who would have thought that the bossy bus monitor boy at primary school would later become my dearest and best friend. We shared so many fun time's over the years growing up together. We talked A LOT about anything and everything.... Usually over a beer or seven, putting the world to right. Although we haven't seen each other for year's I've never lost that brotherly love for you. You were the kindest, most caring, funniest person to be around. Thank you for being such a massive part of my life. I hope you are at peace now buddy. Sending lot's of love to you and your family. Sean xx
My dear friend, It was such a pleasure to know you and to share time in Seminary with you. And you now enjoying the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ. You and your family will remain in my prayers and my Masses. Well done, good and faithful servant.
James (tommo) It's not often a bright star comes into our lives, but you definitely were one. Even though i have not seen you for so many years now, I have nothing but happy memories when I think of you mate. Thankyou for being part of some of the happiest and funny times, certainly in my life, in our teens and 20s. The Nightjar would not have been the same without you, your humour and your flip flops. Rest In Peace My Friend. Steve
Dear Father James Of all the blessings I have had meeting you was one of the greatest. Your wonderful smile, humour, infectious laughter, and your love of gardening, cars, being in the sun, wearing blue shirts and your family brought so much joy to everyone. I will never forget the day we made Father Peter’s farewell video and the tears of laughter running down your cheeks. I will pray for you and remember you daily. Rest now in peace in the loving arms of our Dear Lord and Mother Mary P.S. Blimey, I’m going to miss you xx
Dear James, being in the UK we didn't see much of you in your adult life but over the years Mum & Dad have kept me up to date with your life in Australia. From sharing their happiness and pride with you being ordained right back to you jumping off the roof as a boy! Jasmine and I have shared many smiles at your (and my) expense as she said we shared so many personality traits and attributes, giving us memories that neither of us will forget. Our loss is Heavans gain. My love and that of my family is with you James. x
James, it's been a few years but I have so many fond memories of our friendship. You were so lovely and easy to talk to, with the best sense of humour. Sending love to your family and friends, and I pray that you have found peace xx
From across the miles, we send our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Thomson family from the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary Community, Weston, Massachusetts USA
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Words cannot express how we feel for your family. Howard, Stephanie, Tim and Nicola Matthews
Dear Fr James. I am deeply saddened by and still coming to terms with your passing. The one consolation is that you are now sharing eternal life with our Lord Jesus and Mother Mary. We quickly became friends when you served as a deacon in Mount Gambier.. You connected with people and were personally interested in everyone you met. I shared with you that you would be a great priest because of your life experience and maturity. I was pleased to attend your ordination to the priesthood and receive your priestly blessing. Condolences to James’ family and friends. Rest in peace Fr James.
Dear Fr James, you are at peace now, safe with God, & now more powerful than anyone on the planet.✝️ We first met you when you were five years old, like our son. You were so sweet, kind, gentle & so smiley. The last time we saw you, when you were about 26, & emigrating to Australia, you were still the same. And that is how we will remember you, with love & great affection.✝️❤️ Our love, thoughts and prayers sincere condolences to dear Mike, Jasmine, Olivia, Hannah & family. One day you will all meet again.✝️
We are thinking of you all and such a hard time . Sending lots of love and prayers to you all . James will be very missed . Glad we had some great times together
The good memories we have of you, will always remain in our hearts forever. R.I.P. James x
In Loving Memory “Can we go and see the Thomo’s?” was a regular phrase in the O’Brien household growing up. Those words bring back so many fond memories of fun, laughter, and the kind of silly, carefree antics that defined our childhood. I think of drinking coke in the church hall every Sunday and walking to one-stop, jumping out of a tree with you while I was my First Holy Communion dress, and dancing to a Michael Jackson routine with a hat, all with your dad capturing The Thompson & The O’Brien adventures on his Betamax video recorder. It was truly a privilege to be a part of your world growing up. When I think of you, Mike, Jasmine, Olivia, and Hannah, it’s always with warmth and joy. You brought so much light to those around you. James, you will be deeply missed but remembered with love always. May you now rest peacefully, wrapped in the arms of the angels. Jo, Colin, Jacob & Chloe Blows xxxx
James, you and your family are imprinted into my childhood. Christmasses, barbecues, seafood parties, laughing and fun. Remember when your dad borrowed Marks roller-skates and nearly skated off the end of our balcony, or when you ate so much cheese that you were sick, or when my dad tried to persuade you that grappa was nice (grappa is not and has ever been nice). You injected fun and warmth into all those occasions, your smile was infectious. You loved life, and life loved you (even when you jumped off the roof to see if you could fly). I know my dad especially loved you, I hope he has greeted you in heaven and shown you what’s what. My family loved you very much. Jasmine, Michael, Olivia and Hannah we are all holding you in our thoughts. Love from Luisa, Marcello, Luca, Matty, Bobby and Amelia xxx
James..always a smile,.always ready to take part, Youth club days. Wonderful times. Lots of laughter, and great fun at Matt & Jo's wedding. We have kept you in our prayers and surprised you with a congratulations email . Now we pray that you have found peace and are resting in God's care. Our love and prayers go out to Jasmine & Michael, and to Olivia & Hannah and their families. We hold you all in our hearts.
May your soul rest in peace, Fr James. I was so blessed to have met you. Though for a short time, you truly touched my life and I cannot fathom that you have left this world so soon. You were such a beautiful, gentle and calm soul and your presence always made me feel so peaceful. My deepest condolences to your family. May God’s peace and love carry you all through this difficult time of mourning. May you all be comforted by His promise of eternal life. My prayers and sincere sympathy to you all.
Dear James. We have such happy memories of the time we all shared together when you were young. There was so much fun and laughter at the family gatherings in the church hall and at home. You were so kind to the little ones and always ready to help. Thank you for the gift you were to all our family. Rest in peace James. You will be missed by so many. Jasmine, Michael, Olivia, Hannah and your families you are in our hearts at this sad time. All our love Ann, John, Simon, TJ and Katherine xxx
Jasmine, Michael, Olivia, Hannah and all your lovely families. May the fun and happy memories you have of James bring you some comfort and peace as they will us. Our Love and Prayers to you all. Dave, Marcia, Sam and Ben xx
Dear James, we have so many precious memories of times our families spent together when we all lived in West Moors. Sometimes you could be a little pickle James! You were so adventurous, funny and kind and we all loved you. We pray that now you are truly at peace with our loving Lord Jesus. May your family and all of us who love and mourn your loss, be strengthened and consoled through the love of God our Father and the love we have for one another. Much love from Maris and Paul.
Dear James, my memories of you range from the family fun days at St Anthony's, Alter serving together and numerous family occasions focused around food when we were younger, through to enjoying many nights out in Bournemouth with Darren and Sean Walker. My lasting memory of you is when you were dressed as a snowman on New Year's Eve towering above everyone laughing and joking. I hope you have found peace. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Dear James, we are so sad to lose you. We hope you realised just how much you are loved and admired, gorgeous man. Thankyou for your kindness, respect, fab sense of humour, welcoming smiles, humility, and for showing us Jesus. We loved having you at St. Paul's in the Mount. Your friendship was so valued. We remember you enthusiastically helping the Parish gardening team each Monday afternoon. You wore shorts and thongs in winter and summer and you cheerfully did the jobs the old blokes couldn't do eg climbing the ladder to clean out the gutters. Rest in peace in the loving, comforting arms of our Lord precious friend. Your wonderful family is in our loving, heartfelt prayers.❤️❤️
Rest in peace dear Fr James. May the Angels and Saints of God welcome your soul into paradise. May u rest in the peace of Christ Jesus. Condolences to Michael Jasmin and family. May God grant you the strength and courage to bear this sad loss Hazel - St Martin de Porres
Dear James, we are so sad to lose you. We hope you realised just how much you are loved and admired, gorgeous man. Thankyou for your kindness, respect, fab sense of humour, welcoming smiles, humility, and for showing us Jesus. We loved having you at St. Paul's in the Mount. Your friendship was so valued. We remember you enthusiastically helping the Parish gardening team each Monday afternoon. You wore shorts and thongs in winter and summer and you cheerfully did the jobs the old blokes couldn't do eg climbing the ladder to clean out the gutters. Rest in peace in the loving, comforting arms of our Lord precious friend. Your wonderful family is in our loving, heartfelt prayers.❤️❤️
My sincere condolences to James’ family. When I met James, I said I wasn’t sure how to address him, as he would soon become a priest. He said it’s ’just James’. But as I would learn from knowing him, he was hardly ‘just James’. A kind, humble, quick witted man. I hope you can rest easy now just James. I am so glad to have known you.
Rest well, James, a life well spent. Much love to all the Thomson Family. Rob, Dawn and all the Pomeroys.
Fr. James, l enjoy working with you in the men's gardening group at St. Pauls Mt. Gambier. God bless you. You are now in God's care. Paul Jeffs
My condolences to Jasmine and Michael. I will offer Mass on Monday for the repose of James' Soul. I will also pray a Novena to the Divine Mercy. I never met Fr James but could relate well to him, being also in my late forties. Yours sincerely in Jesus and Mary Fr Mark Whybrow Parish Priest, Flinders Ranges Catholic Parish
Caro Fr James May you WOW then in heaven as you did on Earth. Riposi in pace.
Rest well, James. Rob, Dawn, Angela, Louise & Nick
God bless you in Heaven.Rest in peace,Fr. James.
Thanks for your dedicated service to us and the church. May god find a safe place for you in heaven. Rest in Peace. May we keep you in our prayers.
Charlie, you truly were the life and soul of every gathering. Growing up together brought so many unforgettable memories—nights out, countless parties, and those cherished trips to Newquay. For years, you were the glue that held our group together. Your absence leaves a void that words can’t describe. I only wish you could see just how deeply loved and missed you are by so many. Rest peacefully, dear friend. Xx
Dear James, it’s been lovely to read all the messages of love to you and your family. Growing up in West Moors and going to St. Anthony’s has so many special memories. We were a big church family and you and your family will always be loved and cherished there. You will never be forgotten and we will all have a great reunion in heaven one day, God bless and rest in heavenly peace xxx
We were so saddened to learn of your loss. The parishioners of West Moors had the opportunity to remember James in the company of Olivia and family this morning. Remembering all of you in our prayers. Love Paul and Kate.
Dear James, I will always remember the week leading up to Han and Phil’s wedding with you so fondly and making us laugh so much. Your sense of humour and kindness was unmatched and you made us all feel so comfortable (even if we did arrive with backpacks from south east Asia). Thank you for the good memories and I’m sad we didnt cross paths in recent years. Keep shining bright up there James until we meet again ✨ Jasmine, Michael, Olivia and Hans - my heart is with you all and I’m sending strength and love xxxxx
May the angels lead you in to paradise, May the martyrs come to welcome you, and may you have eternal rest. Words fail me at this time. I feel sad that we were not aware of how to support you through your pain and anguish. I wish the brotherhood of Priests had been a more aware of your needs and could have offered more compassion. To your loving parents and sisters and brothers-in-law I extend my deepest sympathies. They are held in prayer at this time of sorrow and loss. Thank you for your life and ministry James. Rest in the compassionate arms of God.
I have so many lovely memories of Father James from his time in Mt Gambier such as his entertaining sense of fun, his love of cars and his memorable carrying of the cross during entrance processions. Sincere condolences to family and friends. He will be so deeply missed.
We are sending our love to everyone who loved James. We are so deeply sad for his beloved family and have them in our thoughts always. I have heard some wonderful stories about James and know he will be deeply missed. Zoey, Jason and Jamie xx
My lovely mate. What do you write here? My oldest friend, my companion growing up, my piano and Lego rival (I’ll give you piano, but I was definitely better at Lego). Whenever I think back to my favourite childhood memories, you are part of all of them, and I can’t believe you’ve gone. You were one of the greats, my man. Endlessly kind, hilariously funny, awful at golf, and just the best person to spend time with. I will miss you terribly, but I’m happy you’ve found peace. I am buying a stone donkey to put in my garden and I am calling it Charlie, a reference that is relevant to a very select few but you’d absolutely love. Rest easy, my brother. Until we meet again. Simon xxx
Our sincere condolences on the loss of James. So sorry to know of his suffering; he will be a devastating loss to all who knew him. Earliest memory is of sitting behind him and Olivia at Mass at Stapehill Abbey with Michael when he was about four, and I thought what beautiful children. Later, I remember him bombing around in his first car — my mother’s old Datsun Cherry, which had only previously been driven at a sedate pace! Were with you in spirit at his funeral Mass.Glad he is now at peace.Love and prayers always for you all.
Fr James, I’ve been inspired by his vocation story as I’ve been supporting Pope St John XXIII national seminary and it’s baffling how he’s gone too soon. I know God will lovingly welcome you back into his arms. Thanks for being the best shepherd you could to His floc. You are an inspiration to any bloke out there thinking of giving their life to Christ amidst the growing secularism of society. May more men follow Fr James’ example to leave everything in service to the Lord.
Vera Gorvin -
Dear James, I pray that now you are in the arms of JESUS and our heavenly Mother Mary involved in their love. Your soul rest in peace. I will remember you in my prayers.