Knoxville, Tennessee, September 27, 2025
News Summary
The legacy of photographer Jim Thompson is celebrated for his significant role in establishing and preserving the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. His captivating photography, from train collisions to stunning mountain landscapes, inspired conservation efforts and legislative support for the park’s creation. With a career spanning decades, Thompson’s influence continues through his contributions to photography and environmental advocacy.
Knoxville, Tennessee – The legacy of photographer Jim Thompson is being remembered for his pivotal role in the establishment and preservation of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Born on September 25, 1880, in Morristown, Tennessee, Thompson’s journey began in Knoxville, where he attended public schools until the fourth grade before entering the workforce. He initially worked as an architectural draftsman before shifting his focus to photography.
Through his involvement with optician O.C. Wiley’s photographic department, Thompson honed his skills and gained notable recognition by capturing images of a train collision in New Market in 1904, an event that tragically claimed over 50 lives. His photography was displayed at the St. Louis World’s Fair the same year, marking the start of a prominent career. By 1911, he established his own photography studio, where he experimented with a variety of forms, including aerial and color photography.
Thompson’s personal life included his marriage to Emily Boyd on June 25, 1902, with whom he had three children: Bert, Emily, and Margaret. Following Emily’s death in 1952, he remarried Margaret Arcing. Throughout his life, Thompson was an avid hiker and was involved in the creation of the Smoky Mountain Hiking Club, frequently documenting the stunning scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains.
Significantly, in 1924, Thompson’s photographs played a crucial role in persuading the Southern Appalachian Park Committee to consider establishing a national park in the Smokies. He presented his images in Asheville that July, which vividly depicted the natural beauty of the area and helped garner legislative support for conservation.
Thompson’s influence on the conservation movement cannot be overstated. A key figure in the Great Smoky Mountains Conservation Association, his work was instrumental in advocating for the national park’s establishment. Carlos Campbell, a prominent member of the association, emphasized that had it not been for Thompson’s photographs, there might not have been a national park in the Great Smokies.
In addition to his contributions to environmental advocacy, Thompson served as president of the Southeastern Photographers Association and was a board member of the Photographers Association of America. He also played an essential role in efforts to eliminate duplicate place names in the national park, ensuring the area’s historical and cultural integrity.
Thompson continued to impact the photography world until his passing on March 22, 1976, at the age of 95. He was laid to rest at Highland Memorial in Bearden, Tennessee. His photography legacy persists through Thompson Photo Products, a studio he founded, which recently closed after more than a century of operation. His work has illustrated the majesty and history of the Great Smoky Mountains, forever etching his name into the annals of conservation history.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Birth | September 25, 1880 | Born in Morristown, Tennessee. |
| Marriage to Emily Boyd | June 25, 1902 | Had three children: Bert, Emily, and Margaret. |
| Notable Train Collision Photography | 1904 | Captured images of a train collision in New Market. |
| Established Photography Studio | 1911 | Developed expertise in various photographic forms. |
| Contribution to National Park | 1924 | Photographs presented to garner support for park establishment. |
| Passed Away | March 22, 1976 | Became a lasting influence in conservation through visual storytelling. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
The Vibrant History of Gay Street in Knoxville
Additional Resources
- The Mountain Press: Thompson Photo Products Closes
- Wikipedia: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Knox TN Today: Dedication Day to the Great Smoky Mountains
- Google Search: Jim Thompson photographer
- Smoky Mountain News: Artist Remakes Historic Smokies Photos
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Photography
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
