James Dale Tompkins
April 28, 1940 – January 1, 2025
James Dale Tompkins, Wirtz, VA, was called home by his heavenly father on January 1, 2025, at the Salem Veterans Administration Hospital, after a short battle with metastatic lung cancer.
He was born in Milton, PA, on April 28, 1940, to Harriett A. Tompkins and raised in Selinsgrove by his mother and stepfather, Paul Fetter. In 1959, Jim graduated from Selinsgrove Area High School and married his high school sweetheart, Marion (Herrold) Tompkins. Jim entered into the United States Air Force in 1959, serving four years. After his discharge, he and Marion resided in Selinsgrove, PA, where they raised their two daughters.
Jim was employed for 34 years with Amp, Inc., Selinsgrove, as a tool and diemaker specialist until his retirement in 1998. He truly enjoyed his job and took pride in his work. He was a member of the Selinsgrove American Legion Post 25 and served as Commander in 1984. He was a dedicated volunteer with the Dauntless Hook & Ladder Ambulance League, a first-aid instructor, and served as a Captain of the Fire Police in Selinsgrove. Jim and Marion enjoyed many years dancing with the Danjo Wheelers and camping at Little Mexico Campground. After retirement from Amp, Jim and Marion moved to Virginia for a few years and then returned to Selinsgrove until Marion’s passing in 2011. During that time, he worked part-time for Aubrey Alexander Toyota, Selinsgrove. In 2012, Jim returned to Virginia where he resided until his passing. Jim was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles #4344, Bedford County, VA, and served as a past trustee. He worked various part-time jobs while living in Virginia, but his favorite was working at Krogers, Westlake, VA, where he enjoyed talking to people and making new friends.
Jim loved watching sci-fi movies and pro football, especially the Eagles. His greatest joys were spending time with his family, his companion Betty, and his good friends Jon, Gale, Jim and Debbie. Jim was very grateful to his neighbors, Randy and Debra, who always blessed him with home-cooked meals and looked out for him. Jim loved dining at his two favorite Virginia restaurants, the Old Oak Café, Moneta, and the Red Palace, Tanglewood.
Jim is survived by two daughters and a son-in-law, Sabrina (Martin) Sickle of Selinsgrove, PA and Melisa Thompson of Roanoke, VA; three grandchildren, Nicole (Chris) Amos of Wirtz, VA, Colby (Corrin) Zechman of Millmont, PA, Ryan Thompson of Salem, VA; three step grandchildren, Courtney (Jonathan) Edwards, David (Martina) Sickle, Andrew Sickle; nine great-grandchildren, three step great-grandchildren; numerous in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marion of 52 years; a son Darby James; a son-in-law Craig Zechman; an uncle/brother, Albert Tompkins; and numerous aunts/uncles.
Jim was a proud veteran. His passion for his country, his respect for others, his sense of humor and loving spirit will always live in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be forever remembered and deeply missed.
A visitation will be held for his Virginia family and friends on Sunday, January 5, 2025 from 1-3 p.m. at the Flora Funeral Service, 665 S. Main St, Rocky Mount, VA 24151. Interment will be at Northumberland Memorial Park Cemetery, Sunbury, PA. A graveside service with military honors accorded by the American Legion Post 25, Selinsgrove, and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6631, Selinsgrove, will be held at the discretion of the family. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.