Jim Thompson

Who is Jim Thompson?

James "Jim" G. Thompson is a Canadian businessman, philanthropist, and sportsman. He is best known for designing and building the Miss Supertest hydroplanes.

Thompson was born in London, Ontario to "Colonel" J. Gordon Thompson and Essie McCreery. The couple also had two daughters named Catherine and Essie. His father "Colonel" J. Gordon was a businessman involved in the manufacturing of gasoline pumps, and subsequently the selling of gasoline, a sportsman and a golfer who founded the Sunningdale Golf and Country Club. The Thompson Recreation and Athletic Centre at Western in London, Ontario was named in his honour.

Thompson attended primary school in London and secondary school in St. Catharines, Ontario at Ridley College. In 1944, he graduated as a Naval Officer from the Royal Canadian Naval College/Royal Roads Military College. Thompson also spent two years studying engineering at the University of Toronto, and one year studying business at the University of Western Ontario. While attending the University of Toronto and the University of Western Ontario, he continued to serve with the Naval Reserve on HMCS York and HMCS Prevost.