Orrin "O.J." Joseph Thompson III, 81, of Springfield, MO passed away on Tuesday, February 8, 2022 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. Orrin was born March 2, 1940, the son of Orrin Thompson II & Dorothy (Davies) Thompson. On December 4, 2004 he married Christine (Groth) Thompson, who survives. Orrin worked as a School Superintendent for various school districts for 38 years. After retiring from the public education system, he worked as an Administrator for the Senior Age Area Agency on Aging for 3 years and as Librarian of the Library of Taney Hills. He was a former Head Football Coach in Fairfield, IL in the early 1970's. He enjoyed golfing, boating, antiquing, and collecting circus posters. He enjoyed both watching and participating in sports. His passions were theater, bocce ball, football, and especially watching his grandson play basketball. He loved Christmas time, and he dressed up as Santa for a crowd of over 300 kids at the Branson Rec. Center for 13