Jacksonville City Council Honors Retired JEA Lineman J.D. Thompson for His Heroism

Tonight, Jacksonville City Council honored retired JEA lineman J.D. Thompson for his heroic lifesaving act on July 17, 1967.

As a 26-year-old lineworker, Thompson risked his own life to save the life of his friend and co-worker Randall Champion. The moment was captured on film in a Pulitzer-Prize winning picture known as “The Kiss of Life.”   

Councilman Mike Gay presented a resolution honoring Thompson’s heroism. Council also approved the renaming of Electric Avenue to J. D. Thompson Street; the street is on JEA private property at the entrance to Northside Generating Station.

Before the recognition, a video was played of J.D. Thompson talking about the rescue with JEA electric coordinator Chris Richardson.

Photo: Thompson, JEA CEO and Managing Director Vickie Cavey and Councilman Mike Gay.