James Earl Thompson was born June 12, 1951 to Lewis Thompson and Opal Ford Thompson in Tyler, Texas. He attended St. Louis Elementary, Stewart Middle School, and he was a graduate of Emmett Scott High School Class of 1969. He did further studies at Tyler Junior College.

James was employed at Goodyear Tire Company and retired after 34 years of service. He was also a faithful member of St. Louis Baptist Church where he served on the Comfort and Care Ministry, Transportation Ministry, Heaven's Food Pantry Ministry, Relay for Life Ministry, and the American Red Cross Ministry. For many elections, he served as a Democratic Election Clerk. In the year of 2009, James was awarded  "Man of the Year" award along with his longtime friend Donnie Campbell.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Opal Thompson, brother L.C. Thompson, and nephew Harvey Thompson, Jr.

He leaves to his legacy, his loving and devoted wife, Brenda Robertson Thompson;Son, Kevin Henderson;Daughters, Pattie Warren Washington (Noel), and Tremeka Nicole Thompson. Brother, Harvey Thompson, Sr.(Gwendolyn);Sisters, Geraldine Hobson(Lawrence), Opal Louise VanZandt (Charles), Shirley Thompson, Mary Thompson, Martha Pharms(George), and Elizabeth Thompson. Sister-in-laws, Hettie Thompson, Patricia Thompson, Zanthia Robertson Monroe(Jerry), and Valerie Robertson Mitchell(Lester). Three grandchildren Diante' Henderson, Roderick Duncan, and Kayla Warren. A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.