Remembering Jim Thompson

We were saddened to hear the news that Jim Thompson, former volunteer, trustee, and President of Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace, passed away earlier in the week.

Jim had been a regular Thursday afternoon volunteer at John Muir’s Birthplace since it opened in August 2003, missing only very occasional shifts for holidays or time with family. Jim’s dedication and commitment to the John Muir cause saw him volunteer at John Muir’s Birthplace on Thursday afternoons for four hours per week for approximately 46 weeks per year. If you do the sums that equates to over 2,500 Muir hours just on a Thursday afternoon where welcomed over 22,000 visitors! Jim was awarded the Dunbar Community Council Community Service Award when he retired from this role in 2018, in recognition of his volunteering.

He was actively involved in the fundraising to secure the purchase of this building and served as a member of the Friends Council, Convener and President of Dunbar’s John Muir Association, now Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace, for many years.  

During this time he was also a newsletter editor, talks organiser and a link to John Muir contacts in the USA. Jim embraced social media and regularly posted information with John Muir connections.

He served as a John Muir Birthplace Trust trustee and Jim was also active with Dunbar & District History Society, Rotary and Probus in Dunbar. 

We will not forget Jim’s passion, dedication and commitment.

Jim Thompson (left) with Dan Cairney, former President, Friends of John Muir’s Birthplace.