James Lynn Thompson, age 68, husband of Deborah M Thompson, and a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home with Paul David Scott officiating. A visitation will also be held on October 18th from 1:30– 3:00 PM at the funeral home. There will be a reception with refreshments immediately following the service at the Maury County Emergency Operation Center, 1451 Tom J Hitch Pkwy, Columbia TN.

Born on December 22, 1957, in Savannah, Tennessee, Lynn was the son of the late James Elbert Thompson and the late Margaret Ann Scott Thompson. He was a 1975 graduate of Frank Hughes High School in Clifton, Tennessee, and later earned his Bachelor’s degree in Emergency Management from the University of Texas at San Antonio.

For nearly thirty-two years, he and his beloved wife, Deborah, built a beautiful life together—one filled with love and laughter, family both God-given and chosen, and countless travel adventures. Together they created a home and a legacy of taking care of people that has touched countless lives.

Lynn dedicated his life to a career of service to others spanning nearly 50 years. His journey began as an ambulance driver at Shackelfords Funeral Home in Savannah, Tennessee. He went on to serve twenty-five years with the Memphis Fire Department as a firefighter, paramedic, and EMS Lieutenant, and served on Tennessee Task Force 1 before retiring. Alongside his firefighting career, he also served for years as a registered nurse at Methodist University Hospital in Memphis. Following his retirement from the fire department, Lynn continued his calling in emergency services, as the EMS Director for Maury Regional Ambulance Service in Columbia and was presently serving as the Assistant Director of Maury County 911 Communications. Lynn was instrumental in EMS education throughout Tennessee. He was an active member of the Tennessee Emergency Medical Services Education Association (TEMSEA) and served as the past president of TEMSEA . Throughout his life, Lynn was a steady presence during some of life’s most difficult moments, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of care, leadership, and unwavering dedication to his community.

Some of his greatest joys were found in the simple pleasures of life and the time he spent with those he loved. He enjoyed traveling, spending days boating on the lake, and taking his grandchildren on their special “Papaw and Dee Dee adventures.” Lynn was proud to be an avid University of Tennessee football fan.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughter, Chasity (Chase) Thompson Ingalls; son, Blake (Miranda) Thompson; brother, Robert (Sandy) Thompson; sister, Joann Thompson; grandchildren, Ethan Thompson, Kendal Thompson, Lyndsey Thompson, Cooper Ingalls, and Foster Ingalls; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Waymond Thompson and Kenneth “Texx” Thompson.

Honorary pallbearers will include Jim Logan, Joe Pat Rike, Shane Nelson, Ken McFadden, Darren Webb, Joe Holley, and Mark Gandee.

A Celebration of Life will take place in Memphis, TN at a date to be announced later.