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John Tompkins Obituary
He was a native of Newport News and the son of John Thomas and Ellen Jones Tompkins.
Jay was a graduate of Christ Church School and Warren Wilson College. He was an educator who tutored children with learning disabilities. He also worked as a library assistant at the main library in downtown Asheville, N.C. Jay loved the mountains and the beauty of Western North Carolina. Most of all he loved his family and his friends.
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. David S. Jones Jr.; and his paternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John T. Tompkins Jr.
Surviving in addition to his parents are his uncles, Edward Plummer Tompkins of Fruita, Colo., and David Samuel Jones III, of Ridgeland, S.C.; his first cousin, Alysoun Wolfe of Scottsdale, Ariz.; and several other close cousins and many wonderful friends.
The family will receive friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 5, at Peninsula Funeral Home. Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. There will be a gathering at Warren Wilson College Chapel at 2 p.m. on Nov. 21, 2009.
Memorials may be made to Warren Wilson College, 102 N. West Lane, Swannanoa, NC 28778.
Peninsula Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Tompkins
Mary Adele Starnes
June 25, 2024
Just seeing this. I am so very sorry. I now live in
Ft Myers with Randi, her husband Nate, and 10 year old son Mac. Hope all your family is well
If you are ever this way came visit.
Best,
Mary Adele
Keri Willwver
November 22, 2009
I will continue to remember Jay's easy laughter~ringing through my ears. His slow saunter down the road will be hard to forget, and the bright eyes that always lit up Jay's sweet baby-face-skin when he was happy to see you .... can never be replaced.
Jay you are sooooo loved!
Audrey Ennis
November 20, 2009
Jay was a great teacher for my daughter Leah at Orton Academy. He was a great influence on her life. She told me yesterday that she will miss him so much.
Leslie Ettwein
November 19, 2009
Jay is the reason that my son Sean is who he is. He lead by example, that anyone can overcome an educational disability. He was kind, considerate and understanding of a child who was singled out and misunderstood. Jay you changed our lives and you will be missed by all you touched. I remember a softball game in which you cheered for a foul ball, because it was the first ball this child had ever hit without being struck out. Your acknowledgment made it a victory. It was not a defeat. For this and so many other genuine acts of kindness, and understanding. I thank you and Thank God that you came into our lives.You touched us all in ways that made us better and that is your victory!
Leslie Ettwein and Sean Sprinkle
Kathy Foster
November 18, 2009
I knew Jay as a dear friend to my son, and I have no words to express the sorrow I feel for you. You are not alone in your grief, though yours is the greatest.
Richard Stowe
November 10, 2009
Jay has been a brother to me for years, and that is how he will stay. I will miss him greatly.
November 9, 2009
Dear Ellen and John,
We were so sad to read of your son's death. The devastating pain of such a loss is hard to imagine. May God help you take one day at a time and slowly replace your void with happy times.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Bev and AC Pulliam
Hillary Gross
November 9, 2009
Dear John and Ellen,
Words cannot express the saddness we feel about the passing of Jay. I remember him as such a sweet and kind soul and a great reflection of your love and warmth as a wonderful family.
Tom Cole
November 9, 2009
Dear Ellen And John,
Please accept our sincere condolences. Jay was a wonderful person, and we know that your memories will sustain you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Deepest sympathy,
Betty, Bill and Tom Cole
Newport News, VA
November 7, 2009
Dear Ellen and John,
My deepest condolences during your loss. My prayers are with you daily.
Sincerest sympathy,
Kathy Winston
Virginia Beach
Lynn Tompkins
November 7, 2009
Dear John & Ellen, Lisa just told me of Jay's passing. Our hearts are heavy with sadness. Much Love to you all!
Lynn Tompkins
November 7, 2009
Dear John & Ellen, Lisa just told me of Jay's passing. Our hearts are heavy with sadness, and full of love for you all.
November 6, 2009
Dear John and Ellen: I was saddened to read of your loss. Although I never had the pleasure of knowing your son, I am sure he was a very special person. Please know you are in my thoughts at this difficult time. Sincerely, Bernie Freeman, Gloucester, Virginia
Mary Wible-Brennan
November 6, 2009
Dear Ellen and John,
I'm so very sorry to hear about Jay. He was such an amazingly kind and poised young man, always a delight to be around. I know he enriched the lives of all those he encountered.
You all are in my thoughts.
November 6, 2009
JOHN, I WAS SADDENED TO SEE THAT YOUR SON HAD LEFT US ALL TO SOON. I AM SURE THAT THE MEMORIES WILL BE A COMFORT TO YOU IN THE YEARS TO COME.
MAY GOD WATCH OVER YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND GRANT YOU PEACE DURING THIS TIME OF SADNESS.
AN OLD FRIEND
HENRY LAWRENCE
Seth Pratt
November 6, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Tomkins, I offer my condolences. I lost touch with Jay after our graduation from Christchurch, but my memories of him have held fast. He was a wonderful person, one whose energy was passed to all he encountered. The light he shined will not be lost but held closely in our hearts.
Arline Terrell
November 6, 2009
You are in my thoughts and prayers. Loss is so difficult, but time is your friend. It helps the pain dissipate and the tender memories arise. Blessings on you both.
Burgin Streetman
November 6, 2009
The Jay I remember from high school was a sweet boy, always there with something happy to say and a smile. Even in the worst times, his heart was full of optimism and innocence.
The world has lost a dear friend indeed.
Cheryl Brackin
November 6, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins, I am sad to read about the loss of your son, Jay. I have fond memories of him from my days as his teacher at Dutrow ; always cheerful and very helpful. May God bring you comfort during this most difficult time. +Peace to you both +
Andrew Van Deren
November 6, 2009
Mr and Mrs Tompkins,
My deepest sympathies on your loss. I'll always remember Jay fondly.
Andrew Van Deren
Steve and Kathy Ackerman
November 5, 2009
John and Ellen, We were so sorry to hear about the loss of your son Jay. Our thoughts are with you and your family.
Lisa Tompkins
November 5, 2009
I am so so sorry about Jay. I just wanted to send my love to your family. I'm thinking about you and words are not enough. My love and warmth to you.
Jay
Kate Terrell
November 5, 2009
Here is a picture I found of Jay.
-Kate Terrell
November 5, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins, We want to express our sympathy at the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May God's grace be upon your lives.
Robert and Merlene Mallory
Kate Terrell
November 5, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins,
I am saddened to hear about Jay. He was a good friend and used to make me laugh so much. God bless you.
Kate Terrell
Heather Brooks
November 5, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Tompkins, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm a friend of Jay's from Warren Wilson. I learned of his passing two days ago. It is such a great loss to us all. Please, know that we're thinking of you and with you in mourning.
Jeannette Aracri
November 5, 2009
Dear John and Ellen, I was so shocked to learn of the death of your beloved son Jay. All we can do is pray for you and your family to be able to get thru this and find peace. You are in our thoughts and most of all in our prayers. Much love
Jeannette and Mimmo Aracri
Venice Italy
Allie Lee Wittkamp
November 5, 2009
The hearts of all who love you are lifting you up.
Robert Mitchell
November 5, 2009
Dear John and Ellen,
You are in the thoughts and prayers of us all and I am so saddened to hear of your loss.
Whitney Manning
November 5, 2009
John and Ellen,
I am so very, very sorry to hear of your loss of Jay. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Kim Link
November 5, 2009
Ellen I am so saddened to learn of your loss. I feel as if I knew Jay from all of the stories you told of him while I mixed your paint.
Larry Gaskins
November 5, 2009
Dear Ellen and John, Mary Ann and I extend our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your son, Jay. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Winston Hope
November 5, 2009
John and Ellen, I am overcome with sadness for your loss. I have wonderful memories of Jay at the annual 4th of July parade in Brandon Heights. My thoughts are with you in your time of grief.
Lindsay Gaskins Higgins
November 5, 2009
I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. Please know that you are in my prayers.
Bill Russell
November 5, 2009
John & Ellen, The peace of the Lord.
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