Death of Delaware County IDA Chair, Local Business Owner, & Volunteer

James "Jim" Thomson, 78, of Delhi - Industrial Development Chair and local business owner and volunteer.

By Mary A. Crisafulli

Delaware County Industrial Development (IDA) Chairman James "Jim" Thomson, 78, of Delhi, passed away on Friday, Dec. 6. His death came after a brief illness, according to the obituary.

Jim served Delaware County industries as IDA chair for nearly 40 years. "I have record of him being IDA Chair in 1986 and he remained in that position continuously until his passing," said Economic Development Director Glenn Nealis.

"Jim cared deeply about Delaware County, he provided steady and supportive leadership in stimulating economic development throughout the county - efforts which have had and will continue to have a significant impact upon the county," said Nealis, "in everything he did, his one motivation was doing what he thought was in the best interests of Delaware County."

Jim further volunteered his time by serving multiple terms as the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce President. According to Chamber President Ray Pucci, Jim took a key advocacy role during the original drafting of the New York City Watershed Memorandum of Agreement in 1997. "Jim was one of the few people who understood immediately the impact those regulations would have not only on businesses but the whole community," said Pucci. And while Watershed communities are still struggling with the outcome of those regulations, Pucci notes that the restrictions would have been much worse if not for Jim's efforts. He started "banging that drum" to make businesses, residents, and officials aware, said Pucci, and because of that Delaware County still has communities and businesses outside of the village setting. Without Jim, Pucci said the proposed regulations would have depopulated the area. "Jim was an advocate, that is the best description I can give you," said Pucci, "he loved this area and was invested in the community only wanting the best for our communities."

According to the obituary, Jim was also instrumental in the formation of Delaware County Local Development Corporation in 1989. The organization promotes job growth by offering financial and technical assistance to small businesses.

While Jim volunteered his time for businesses he was a local business professional himself. After a career in insurance in the Albany area, Jim found his way back to Delhi and took over the family business, Robert F. Thomson Insurance Agency, in 1980. According to the obituary, Jim and wife Nancy Thomson expanded the business into Arkville, Milford, and Walton eventually selling the agency in 2012.

According to the obituary, Jim requested no funeral services to be held. However, donations in his memory to O'Connor Hospital can be made online at give.bassett.org or by checks made out to Friends of Bassett mailed to 1 Atwell Road, Cooperstown.