Stay-at-home dad establishes computer repair business
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
James Thompson of Ramona has established Thompson Computer Repair at his home at 501 North B, Ramona.
"What I'm trying to do is different," he said. "If customers pay a small monthly fee, they can bring their computer in as often as they need to." He cited a common problem of computers being infected with viruses and needing to be cleaned up.
Thompson is a graduate of MTI in California and is A+ certified as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer.
He spent three years at Sacramento Children's Home, a complex of 12 facilities networked through computers. He managed 300 computers. Since coming to Kansas, Thompson has been doing computer repair on the side for area businesses and individuals.
Thompson and his family moved to Ramona from California in the summer of 2004. He was planning to launch a mobile computer repair business but tragic circumstances necessitated his staying at home. His wife, Terri, was fatally injured in a one-car accident almost a year ago, leaving him with five children.
In a surprise move this past December, volunteers provided labor and material to renovate his current residence and provide his family with a comfortable home.
The children — Ben, 15, Dallen, 11, Terren, 10, Cassy, 9, and CJ, 6 — are home-schooled through sixth grade.
A separate building was established next to the house for a classroom. It is complete with desks, blackboard, library, and computer center. Each child has a computer and all are networked, so the children can do interactive exercises on computer.
Thompson said he uses a lot of computer-based programs. Even flash cards and spelling are taught through the computer. He said the children enjoy learning on computer except for one subject: reading. They like to read from the printed page. Thompson often prints out reading material downloaded from the Internet.
His computer repair business is adjacent to the school so he can work on computers while the children are doing school work. "I enjoy having my kids around," he said. "It works out pretty well."
Thompson Computer Repair may be contacted by calling 785-965-2257.
