James Blake Thompson (Courtesy)

Mr. James Blake Thompson, 69, of Washington, GA, passed away Thursday, March 14, 2024 at Southern Manor in Washington, GA.

Born on June 5, 1954 in Anderson, SC, he was the 4th son of the late Harvey Elvin Thompson and Willie Jean Shiflet Thompson.

Blake began his career in the Emergency Medical Services field at the urging of his brother Connie Thompson. Connie was one of the founders of Hart County EMS. This was a career choice that Blake made and carried with him until his retirement in 2023, His goal was to make 50 years in EMS but his illness just wouldn’t allow it and he retired from Wilkes County EMS in February of 2023. EMS was truly his life.

He was employed for Elbert County EMS for 17 years where he received the EMT of the State of Georgia in 1988. He then spent one year as the Director of Piedmont Athens (Regional Medical Center) EMS at the time known as Athens General Hospital. When he left Elbert County he was the Assistant Director but then took a job as the Director of Wilkes County EMS in August of 1991. Under his guidance and leadership Wilkes County became known throughout the State of Georgia. He was successful in receiving grant monies that ensured they always had state of the art equipment and units. He increased staff as the call volume continued to rise starting with only 2 EMT’s on a shift and ending with 5 upon his retirement. He was able to establish a northern station known as Station 2 where response times to the northern end of Wilkes County could be improved. He was instrumental in multiple first responder classes and coordinating with instructor’s local EMT classes, working with the Fire Department to help obtain a licensed first responder vehicle with the fire/rescue truck. He ensured EMTs would further their education by going to Paramedic school which allowed Wilkes County to provide a higher level of care to the people of the community. Blake was named the EMS Director of Region VI on two occasions and the EMS Director of the State of Georgia in May of 2016. Under his direction Wilkes County EMS was named EMS Service of the Year for the State of Georgia in 2002 and again in 2021. What he expected from his employees and staff was well known and he made sure they put in all the training hours possible. This was so Wilkes County would always provide exceptional care to its citizens. In addition in covering Wilkes County, he secured a contract with Taliaferro County where ambulance services were provided to a county with none. One of his most notable calls for a 10 mile stretch of Interstate 20 in Taliaferro County was the Infamous West Georgia Cheerleader accident in August of 1997. With multiple fatalities and critical patients his leadership on scene with coordination of other surrounding counties saved lives. To this day he has remained in touch with several of the survivors and their families. For his efforts he received the State of Georgia Trauma Mary Beth Bounds Award. He received a heroic award from the Governor’s Office of the State of GA from a call he responded to locally. A victim was being held hostage and Blake was able to get to the window where she was and have her climb out while the armed perpetrator was in another room.

Blake spent many years as a member of the local Washington Rotary Club and the Wilkes County Car club. He was a member of the Washington-Wilkes Chamber of Commerce where he was a past president. Blake served on several local, regional and State committees throughout his career.

Two of his prized possessions were his Z28 Camaro and his 1964 Mustang that he had completely restored. The work he did over the years helped propel the profession of EMS to the forefront of healthcare. He truly didn’t consider it as a job as he was passionate about his career choice and always dedicated.

He received various awards and nominations from local organizations including the Washington Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. Blake helped start back up the local Christmas parade that had gone away for many years along with the assistance of the late Mr. Pete Gartrell. Upon Pete’s passing Blake took on that project for Wilkes County EMS annually and the Christmas parade has continued ever since. This past December of 2023 Blake was the grand marshal.

He established the original Toys for Tots program that later became Wilkes County Kids. Under this program all toys and monies collected remain in Wilkes County which was extremely important to him to take care of our own. He never took his success lightly as he always gave credit to employees around him that helped ensure the work got done. Because of his vision Wilkes County EMS has added to our annual community programs with a Touch a Truck and beginning this year an annual Easter Egg Hunt. All funds raised go towards our Christmas Kids program. Blake was instrumental in many fundraisers over the years for others in need and he selflessly gave and gave of his time and effort. Thousands of dollars were raised for various groups, individuals and organizations under his leadership.

He is preceded in death by both his parents, his brother Connie S. Thompson whom he shared the same birthday but 10 years apart, and his brother Harvey Gene Thompson.

Blake is survived by his two sons, Carter Thompson (Ashley) and grandson Rhett of Cordele, Ga, and Patrick Thompson (Ariel) of Elberton; one brother: Ty Thompson of Bowersville; three nephews: Kevin Thompson, Wesley Thompson, and Brian Thompson; and two nieces: Sheila Sayer and Sharon Swint.

Blake will lie in state at the Wilkes County EMS Headquarters on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, where the family will receives friends from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  At other times, the family will be at their respective homes.

Funeral Services for Mr. Blake Thompson will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at the Edward B. Pope Conference Center in Washington, GA with Rev. Paul Revere, Rev. Gary Purvis, Mr. Chuck Almond, and Mr. Dan Wright and Mr. Chad Black officiating. Burial will be in the Flat Shoals Baptist Church Cemetery, Bowersville GA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Flat Shoals Baptist Church, 2999 Bowersville Hwy, Bowersville GA 30516.

The Strickland Funeral Home of Hartwell is assisting with of all arrangements.