Jimmy Thompson
American executioner
About Jimmy Thompson
Lived 1895 – 1952 (aged 56–57). Jimmy Thompson was an American executioner.
James "Jimmy" H. Thompson (January 9, 189612 October 1952 ) was executioner for the state of Mississippi executioner from 1940 to 1950, responsible for about 55 executions.
Thompson traveled around the state to perform executions, operating the only portable electrical chair in the world. In the days following executions he was often found intoxicated, and faced arrests for drunk and disorderly conduct.
His life became the inspiration for the 1970 film Traveling Executioner starring Stacy Keach.
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Important facts
People in Jimmy Thompson's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Jimmy Thompson's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Jimmy Thompson?
American executioner
When was Jimmy Thompson born?
Jimmy Thompson was born in 1895.
When did Jimmy Thompson die?
Jimmy Thompson died on 12 October 1952.
What was Jimmy Thompson's occupation?
Jimmy Thompson was an executioner.
What nationality was Jimmy Thompson?
Jimmy Thompson was American.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Jimmy Thompson (executioner)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Jimmy Thompson. https://biography.guide/jimmy-thompson-executioner/
MLA: "Jimmy Thompson." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/jimmy-thompson-executioner/.
Chicago: "Jimmy Thompson." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/jimmy-thompson-executioner/.
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