Inducted, 1998

Jimmy Thompson, one of Utah's most popular golf professionals, is viewed as the consummate golf professional by professionals and amateurs alike. His hallmarks are courtesy and friendliness, which make him one of Utah golf's great gentlemen. When you think of Jimmy you think of a smile, of loyalty, of love. He is a genuine father figure to dozens of Utah golfers.

During a long career as a club professional he made small daily contributions to the game and his profession that, like daily deposits in a piggy bank, have amounted to a small fortune.

Although retired for 12 years Jimmy Thompson, 77, is ever present on the Utah golf scene, lending his support wherever it is needed. He has retained an active teaching position at Golf in the Round, and continues to serve the Utah Section PGA.

He was the head golf professional at the Timpanogos Golf Course in Provo from 1949 to 1951 when it became the first 18-hole public facility in Utah. He left Utah for several years and was a club professional in California. He returned as the first head professional at Tri City Golf Course in 1973, a position he held until retirement in 1986. During his years as a head professional he trained 28 assistants who went on to become head professionals.

His wife, Helen, has been his sidekick and partner in every venture. They are inseparable.

He was a very good player, having won the Rocky Mountain PGA Championship in 1951 and played on the PGA Tour in 1952.

He has served the Utah Section PGA and the National PGA in many capacities and was recognized by the Utah Section of the PGA with several awards, including a special award in 1988 for his contributions to golf. He also received the Gold Club Award, the Utah Golf Association's highest honor.

He was born January 19, 1919 in Houston, Texas, but lacking a solid family life he was raised on an Oklahoma golf course by golfing friends whom he still reveres and emulates, which is why he and Helen have 'adopted' so many young people.