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Abstract:
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James R. Thompson had a deep impact on statistics and statistical practice, particularly in the theory of nonparametric density and function estimation, financial statistics, and statistical quality control. He also spent generous time advising numerous students, ``grand-students,'' and even ``adopted'' students. While he had a style all his own, he inherited many academic values and approaches to data and science from his adviser, John Tukey. This article describes only a piece of his unique and special character, namely the elements that many of Tukey's many students acquired, though many with less success than James Thompson. In view of today's emphasis on data mining techniques, the recollection of Thompson's influence is especially timely.
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