James and Mary Thompson celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on Dec. 24, 2014. The couple was married Dec. 24, 1954, in New Zion, South Carolina.
The couple moved to Hinesville in January 1968 when James took a position with Interstate Paper. He continued to work for Interstate Paper until he retired in 1997. Mary worked for Liberty Regional Medical Center until she retired in 2004.
After moving to Hinesville, the couple became members of First Baptist Church. They have been active members of the church for 46 years. During this time, James has served as a deacon for the church and taught youth Sunday school for many years, while Mary was very involved with the hospitality committee.  
The couple has four children: Carolyn Smiley, Shirley Garrett, Wanda Smith and Richard Thompson. Together they have eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. They celebrated their anniversary at their home on Christmas Eve with their family.