Joseph Alton Thompson, Sr. was born on September 24, 1943 in Baltimore City, the youngest of six children to Helen Marie Thompson (nee Mahoney) and Murray Alton Thompson.  He graduated from Saint Ann's Elementary School in 1957, the same year his family moved to Carney in Baltimore County.  He graduated from Mount Saint Joseph High School in 1961 and the University of Baltimore in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management.

He was stationed at the Pikesville Armory, Maryland National Guard from 1965 to 1971.  He was employed by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Maryland (now CareFirst) for over 35 years, from 1968 until his retirement in October 2003.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Karen Sylvia Thompson (nee Kreiner), son Joseph Alton Thompson, Jr., daughter-in-law Susan L. Thompson, granddaughter Rebecca M. Thompson, brother Paul F. Thompson, and many nephews and nieces.

A Catholic Prayer Service will be held at Peaceful Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Center, 2325 York Road, Timonium, Maryland 21093 on Thursday, July 22 beginning at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph's name may be made to Mount Saint Joseph High School , 4403 Frederick Avenue, Baltimore, Maryland 21229.