A DECORATED and ‘impressive’ British army veteran died at his home near Carlisle of natural causes after declining to receiving treatment for lymphoma, an inquest has heard. 

John James Thompson, 83, died on June 16, 2024, at his home on Buffs Croft, Warwick-on-Eden. 

A statement submitted to Cockermouth Coroner’s Court by his grand-daughter, Emma McGinley, said that Mr Thompson had moved to Carlisle with his wife, Catherine, around 20 years ago, after completing 33 years of military service. 

An only child, originally from Liverpool, he became an estate agent after moving to Carlisle, but was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 15 years ago, which was ‘quite well-developed'. 

Mr Thompson suffered a fall in October 2023, and was subsequently diagnosed with lymphoma, a form of cancer. 

The statement said: “Due to his advanced Parkinson’s, he made the decision not to go through with treatment.” 

Assistant Coroner for Cumbria Ms Margaret Taylor outlined some of Mr Thompson’s varied military honours, including the British Empire Medal and Meritorious Service Medal. 

Mr Taylor said he was part of British commander-in–chief missions to Soviet forces in Germany during the 1980s, and was also took part in the Falklands campaign in 1982. 

He also served in the British Legion for the ‘many years’, until October 2023. 

Paying tribute to Mr Thompson, Ms Taylor said: “This gives us an idea what impressive an individual this gentleman was, and I am sure that he is deeply missed by his family.” 

Ms Taylor recorded that Mr Thompson died of natural causes, of lymphoma, with a background of Parkinson’s disease and frailty.