About Jim

Jim Thompson is a lifelong Oregonian. He grew up in rural Lincoln County, graduated from Taft High School, earned science degrees from Oregon State and Western Oregon University (then Oregon College of Education), and built a successful career in plant sciences.

His wife Helga is a retired science teacher and nationally recognized education consultant. They have two grown children and two grandchildren. Jim and Helga will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary this year.

Jim has spent his professional life working for laboratories developing technologies that use local agriculture products to treat asthma and allergies. Speaking of improving lives – Jim was also a certified EMT (retired) and previously served on the Chair of the County Fire District #1 Board.

In 2004, Jim was appointed state Representative by our county commissioners when Representative Lane Shettery resigned. While Jim’s appointment was only for a 9 month term he was proud of the work he did to assist people struggling through problems with state government. He gained many new friends among people he individually helped work through challenges with state agencies.

Jim also served on the Monmouth City Council in the 1980’s and is very involved in groups working on health care reform in Oregon. He serves on the Oregon Health Care Volunteer Advisory Committee, Health Safety Net Advisory Committee, and the Public Health Logistics Workgroup.

Today, Jim is the Executive Director of the Oregon Pharmacy Association where he directs continuing education programs for pharmacists throughout the state and is working to strengthen drug safety regulations that protect consumers.