J. Allen Thompson

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - James Allen Thompson, 82 of Atlanta, GA passed away peacefully on December 10, 2009 with his family by his side. Mr. Thompson was born in Savannah, Georgia on July 3, 1927 to Ruth Hussey Thompson and James R. Thompson. Allen grew up in Darien, Georgia. He was a U.S. Marine Veteran and later relocated to Atlanta in 1947. Allen had a long career in advertising sales with The Atlanta Journal Constitution where he originated such ad innovations as The Apartment and Automobile Directory in 1965; first apartment locator map in 1969 followed by the sub-division map and Homes Beautiful section with condominium map in 1972. His maps have been copied around the world. He received an advertising exchange offer from a major newspaper in Stockholm, Sweden. Mr. Thompson enjoyed a strong career in public speaking on the topic of real estate advertising to real estate boards, brokers and agents across the United States. He continued his career with the Marietta Daily Journal and Dynamic Graphics. Allen had various hobbies ranging from sailing, swimming, canoeing, photography, sports cars and woodworking. He was a member of St. Martin's in the Field Episcopal Church.
Allen is survived by his wife of fifty six years, Gretchen Mingledorff Thompson; his four children, Mary Anne (Phil) Cauthen, Gretchen (Craig) Anderson, Michael (Ann) Thompson, Hansel Thompson, Jennifer Thompson, his loving grandchildren; Anna Cauthen, Emily Cauthen, Caroline Anderson, Will Thompson, Katie Thompson, Jimmy Thompson, Alexandra Thompson, and his brother Marion Thompson. Allen is preceded in death by his granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth Anderson.
A memorial service was held at Roswell Funeral Home on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2 o'clock. Internment was in Greenlawn Cemetery. The family received friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 1 o'clock until the time of the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests any contributions be made to Coaches Curing Kids Cancer - 4250 Vienna Way, Marietta, Georgia, 30062 or The AFLAC Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta - 1687 Tullie Circle, Atlanta Georgia, 30329. Any contributions made are in Allen's loving memory of his granddaughter, Ashley Anderson.