Retired Westmoreland custos dies

James McLean Thompson, former custos of Westmoreland and member of parliament for North East Westmoreland and parish councillor, died Sunday at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital after suffering a heart attack. He was 99 years old.

Thompson, who was affectionately called 'Jim T', gave some 54 years of public service to Westmoreland and the nation, dating back to 1947, when he entered representational politics under the banner of the People's National Party, and was elected councillor for the Glenislay division.

He served in that capacity for 14 years. He became a justice of the peace in 1957.

Thompson deepened his involvement in national life as a member of the House of Representatives and member of parliament for North East Westmoreland from 1972-1980, during which he was also parliamentary secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture.

He subsequently took up duties as custos of Westmoreland on February 22, 1990 and served for 11 years until his retirement in June 2001.