Thomas Jimison was born and raised in North Carolina and served as an Army combat photographer. Later, he taught photography and opened his own photo studio in New Orleans and became a renowned food and architectural photographer. He was an expert in black and white photography and exhibits of his work were shown internationally.

Known to many as simply “Mr. J,” Jimison began teaching photography in 1991 at Middle Tennessee State University's College of Media and Entertainment, and was the curator for the Baldwin Photo Gallery for 26 years.