His father was in the United States Navy and Thompson visited and lived in many places during his childhood, including Guam. Thompson eventually made his way to California where he attended San Jose State University. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in aeronautical engineering, Thompson formed what is now known as The Crown Worldwide Group. Jim Thompson is a U.S. citizen and a permanent resident of Hong Kong, having lived there since 1978 with his wife Sally, who is a British national. Thompson’s daughter Jennifer serves as Crown’s director of corporate responsibility and lives in New York City with her husband and three children. Thompson’s son James, Jr. serves as Crown’s regional director of Northern China and lives in Beijing, China with his wife and young daughter.