Joseph was born in Durham, NC, November 5, 1924 to James Scott Sr. and Ozzie Wiley-Thompson. He attended the Durham County school system. At the young age of seventeen, Joseph migrated North spending time in Washington, DC and by the summer of 1941 he settled his roots in New York City. Soon after living in NYC, he met his wife Emma McNeal (deceased 2005) of York, SC and they married in June 1946. They raised three sons while living in The Bronx.
Joseph, known as Joe by many friends and family members, loved to drive. So much so, that he started his career driving at the tender age of 15. After moving to New York City Joe continued his passion for driving. He drove a taxi for some time before driving an oil delivery truck. He found his career in driving with Varsity Transit (school bus company) and Greyhound Charter Co. After 22 years of servicing the communities and children of the NYC school system, Joe happily retired in 1986. Joe began to feel homesick and decided to move back to Durham in June 1992 with Emma. Joe’s passion for being on the “open road” could not escape him, so he began driving for RDU as a shuttle driver in 1993. He also served local church communities in Durham by offering his driving services. Another one of his great passions was baiting that hook and casting out to catch the “big one”. Joe had plenty of fishing stories to share. For many years, that was a hobby he always made time for.
Upon returning to Durham, Joseph began attending services again at Union Baptist Church, Durham, NC. He was a faithful member of UBC, his childhood church.
Joseph was preceded by his wife of 58 years, Emma L. Thompson on January 27, 2005 and his middle son Joseph “Junie” Thompson Jr on October 13, 2009.
Joseph is survived by sons Emmanuel Pasha (Queens, NY) & wife Catherine and Jamal Thompson (York, SC) & wife Starsha; 4 granddaughters Brendalyn, Aqila, Jamila and Amani; 4 grandsons Sharif & Tyree and Camden & D’Lijah (Starsha’s boys); 3 great grandchildren Tahirah, Bahirah and Aarion; 4 siblings James Jr., Joyce, George and Edith; and a host of cousins & friends.
Joseph was a social and jovial man that loved to interact with his family and friends. He was loved and respected wherever he went. You could always rely on Joseph for a laugh and always telling it “like it is,” If you did not want the truth, do not ask Joseph! He will definitely be missed by all of his family and friends here in Durham, New York and all points in between.