A silver and electro-plate goods manufacturer, Thompson was born in Sheffield in about 1811.  He lived in Heeley and apparently gained experience with Frederick Ellis Timm until he started his business in about 1861 (when he employed a man and two boys).  His first works address was apparently Norfolk Lane.  In 1868, he registered a silver mark from Soho Place, Napier Street.  He was living in Crescent Road, Sharrow.  The workroll grew from ten in 1871 (four men, three boys, and three females) to 21 in 1881 (14 men, six women, and a boy).  James Thompson, Witney Street, died on 4 September 1890 (aged 79).  His burial in the General Cemetery – alongside the remains of his wife, Hannah (who had died in 1881, aged 66) – was unconsecrated.