Jimmy Thompson, one of Tech’s ‘Pony Backs’ dies

James Ellis “Jimmy” Thompson, one of the “Pony Backs” for the Georgia Tech football team in the 1950s, died last month. He was 85.

After winning two state championships at Bessemer High in Alabama, Thompson played running back for Tech and coach Bobby Dodd from 1954-56. He was nicknamed “The Darling of the West Stands.” Tech lost only five games during Thompson’s tenure, going 27-5-1, and winning the Cotton, Gator and Sugar bowls. In 1954, Thompson led the SEC in yards per carry at 9.4 yards. Over his career, he compiled 985 yards on 166 carries with eight touchdowns.

Thompson went on to become the Lovett School’s first head football coach (1959-61).

Thompson is survived by his wife of 61 years, Anne Mabry Thompson, sons, Jim Thompson (Sissy) of Waxhaw, North Carolina; Tim Thompson (Jim) of Chicago; and Curt Thompson (Renee) of Columbus. Grandchildren include Mac Thompson, Cole Thompson, Ryan Harper (Sam), and James Thompson. Step-grandchildren include Nicole and Luke Renwick. He also is survived by his two sisters Sandy Lawson of Hueytown, Ala., and Cathy Meelheim of Berryville, Va., and their children.

About the Author

AJC Sports

Georgia State defensive back to transfer to Georgia Tech

The senior was Georgia State’s best overall defender and best tackler and is the third defensive back Georgia Tech has picked up via the transfer portal this month.

Georgia Tech reliever Mason Patel is having the best season of his career

Mason Patel, Georgia Tech baseball player, is having a great season after enduring two season-ending injuries.

Brent Key’s December extension included $1.1M raise for 2025 season

Georgia Tech football coach Brent Key received a substantial raise in December, according to the signed contract extension obtained by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Latest

Credit: Jason Getz / Jason.Getz@ajc.com

Georgia Tech reliever Mason Patel is having the best season of his career

Georgia State defensive back to transfer to Georgia Tech

Brent Key’s December extension included $1.1M raise for 2025 season

Featured

Credit: Hyosub Shin/AJC

Stacey Abrams considers third run for governor as some Georgia Democrats move on

Once the unquestioned leader of Georgia Democrats, Stacey Abrams now faces an uncertain political future as she considers a third run for governor.

Orange Crush future in limbo after clash between organizer, trademark owner

The Orange Crush beach bash brought tens of thousands of HBCU students to Georgia's coast, but its future is clouded by a dispute between the trademark owner and organizer.

With midterms looming, Georgia fails to make election security upgrades

Election security proposals stalled in the Georgia General Assembly, leaving the same voting technology in place for the 2026 election. Election advocates say they're worried.