Obituary of James Tompkins

James J. "Jim" Tompkins was born March 10, 1925 in Cleveland, Ohio the son of Benjamin J. and Clara (Ganshorn) Tompkins. Jim passed away at his home on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the age of 85. In 1944, he graduated from high school in Galion, Ohio where he was a star pitcher for the "Orangemen" who became the Galion Tigers. During WWII he served his country in the U.S. Army in the 362nd Infantry Regiment. He was stationed in the mountains of Italy where he fought against the Germans until the end of the war. He was awarded numerous medals including the Bronze Star medal for his valor in fighting. Jim married Jane Elizabeth Wagner on October 24, 1944 in Galion. Following the war he returned to Galion where he became employed with the Lincoln Electric of Ohio. In the early 1950's he and his family relocated to Tulsa where he became affiliated with Lincoln Electric and later with Nelson Electric Company. He retired from Nelson / Sola Basic in 1985 where he was a quotations engineer. After his retirement he then worked for Pinkerton Security Company until fully retiring in 2001. Jim and Jane were active members of the Elks Lodge in Tulsa for many years where he was a Leading Knight and past Exalted Ruler. He served as secretary for the Elks Lodge for 15 years. Jim lived in his home for over 37 years and for the past 10 years with his son who took special care of him. Jim and Jane had an special affection for dogs and had many throughout the years. He enjoyed his last years with Tootie an Australian shepherd who gave him lots of love and enjoyment. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Jane in 2001 and his son, James Gerald "Jerry" Tompkins in 1967. He is survived by his son, Charles Greg Tompkins; his daughter, Kay Harris and her husband Les of Broken Arrow; his Grandchildren, Jennifer Hipp of Tulsa, Lindsey Alig and her husband John of Tulsa; his great-Grandchildren, Mackenzie Hipp of Liberty, MO and Lilly Wooleridge of Broken Arrow, OK. There will be a visitation with the family from 4:00p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 14th at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home, 3841 S. Peoria. The family requests that memorials be made to the Elks National Foundation Scholarship Fund, 5135 S. Harvard, Tulsa, OK 74135.