James "Jack" Robert Tompkins
On January 21, 2025 James Robert (Jack) Tompkins passed away unexpectedly. He was born on March 2, 1946 in Norton, Virginia to Colonel James M. Tompkins and Nell Hubbard Tompkins, who preceded him in death. Jack is survived by his son Jamey Tompkins and daughter-in-law Amy Tompkins. Sister, Debbie Tompkins Goins and brother-in-law Danny Goins. Partner, Marilyn Byrd Welch. Grandson, Cole Michael Denny. Along with extended family Jim and Sandra Dorton, many close cousins and lifelong friends.
Jack grew up in St. Paul, Virginia and graduated from St. Paul High School. He received his BA in history, government and political science from the College of William & Mary, graduate studies in education and government from UVA and his Masters of Science in Education from Virginia Tech.
Jack loved teaching. He began at Wise County Schools and was a Business Management teacher at Virginia Western Community College after a thriving career at First Federal Bank as VP for savings. He was an advocate for diversity and cultural exchange and spent many years as the Executive Director of Sister Cities. His love for travel and learning was evident in his studies at the University of Geneva and his visits to many different countries.
Jack was a lifelong Democrat and active in the Democratic Party. He loved Roanoke and was also active with Showtimers in the 1980’s. He was accepted to Duke Divinity School and was a lay speaker in the South Roanoke United Methodist Church for many years.
Jack was respected across the community and impacted many lives. He was intelligent, kind, gentle, loved to laugh and was a wonderful storyteller. With a contagious smile, his greatest love was family and time spent with them. In his strong religious beliefs, he assured us for years that we would all be reunited in Hubbard Heaven and “it would be glorious.”
Visitation is Sunday, February 2nd at 1:00pm followed by the Celebration of Life at 2:00pm at Simpson Funeral Home, 3912 Electric Road, Roanoke, VA 24018.
Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home Electric Road Chapel. 3912 Electric Road Roanoke, Virginia 24018. (540) 632-4200.