James (known to most as Jason) Thompson was a lifelong resident of Ludlow. As a child he lived next door to the Boys Club, then referred to as the “Rec,” and spent a good part of his childhood there. This formed a bond that remained for his entire life. He attended Ludlow High School and graduated from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service. He returned to teach at Ludlow High School. After receiving a law degree from Western New England University Law School, he spent the majority of his career practicing law at the firm that he founded, Thompson & Bell in Ludlow. Jason was dedicated to town Government and service to his community. He served as Town Counsel and was Town Moderator from 1993 – 2014. He was an active member of the Board of Directors of the Ludlow Boys & Girls Club starting in 1977 and served as President from 1982 – 1984.
The James (Jason) Thompson Leadership Award was established in 2018 by Jason's loving family to provide a scholarship to the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club’s Youth of the Year. The award will honor Jason’s lifetime commitment to education, youth, and the greater community by paying it forward, to a student who embodies qualities of leadership, academic success, civic responsibility, and engagement.
Additionally, the James (Jason) Thompson Memorial Fund has been established to provide financial support for youth to attend any of the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club's programs, from swim lessons, to summer camp, to after school programs. The fund will allow community members to participate in honoring Jason's legacy by helping the next generation of kids experience the magic and fun of being a Club Kid.
To make a donation to the James (Jason) Thompson Memorial Fund, supporting general Club scholarship opportunities for youth, please send checks to the Ludlow Community Center/Randall Boys & Girls Club at 91 Claudia's Way, Ludlow, MA 01056 or donate online by clicking the link below. Please put Jason's name in the dedication field.