He attained the rank of lieutenant general and was a commander of the 101st Airborne Division and First United States Army.

James Edward Thompson Jr. was born in Durham, North Carolina on October 13, 1935,[1][2] and graduated from the University of Florida in 1957 with a Bachelor of Arts in education.

[2] While in college, Thompson completed the Reserve Officers' Training Corps program, and at his graduation he was commissioned a second lieutenant of Infantry.

[2] After receiving promotion to brigadier general, Thompson's assignments included: assistant division commander (ADC) for support and ADC for operations, 101st Airborne Division, Kentucky;[2] deputy director for plans and policy, United States Pacific Command;[2] and deputy director for operations, readiness, and mobilization in the Office of the Army's Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (G-3).

[4][5] In June 1987, Thompson was assigned as commander of First United States Army;[6] he held this position until retiring in 1991.