COMPTON, JAMES B.
89, of East Greenwich, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2020. He was the beloved husband of Ellen (Cheney) Compton for 58 years, father to Russell, Peter, and Adam, father in-law to Alexandra and Sarah, and "Opa" to grandchildren Jack, Charlie, Sebastian, Francesca, Henry, Sophia, and Susannah (and to many extended family and friends). The family would like to extend a special thank you to Michelle for her dedicated care, assistance, and friendship these past few years – you are "wonderful."
Born in Cambridge, Jim got to know and love the streets of Boston which included working at the Harvard Coop. Jim served in the Korean War immediately after high school, and developed a great fondness for airplanes starting with his maintenance work on the F-94 Starfire. After graduating from Bowling Green State University, he followed his longing for the west coast and found in San Francisco a great set of friends, a love of Dungeness crab & wine, a sporty red Alfa Romeo, and met Ellen. Early on, with Russ and Pete as youngsters, Jim and Ellen had an extraordinary opportunity to live and work in Greece for 2 years, allowing them to travel. Jim later enjoyed his work as a Levi salesman for 15 years in the New England region, covering fun places like the Cape, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket at the height of the Levi 501 popularity (and don't forget the 'cords' in every possible color). He served as the President of the EG Little League, and volunteered in multiple capacities for the 1977 EG tercentenary.
In 'retirement,' Jim got his Master's degree in adult education from URI, learned to solo in a glider, and volunteered extensively for Save the Bay, Aging 2000, and especially the Mentoring program in EG schools. He was a life-long learner of new things, and consummate reader of non-fiction, spirituality, and philosophy.
Jim enjoyed a great life. From an early age, he seemed committed to the cultivation of life-long relationships, and he clearly achieved that goal by welcoming new extended family and devoting time to friendships. He showed countless people how to eat lobster, delved in the garden, dealt poker, loved swimming at Skaneateles Lake, and danced whenever possible. In that spirit, we will now celebrate together.
Burial and all services will be private, however the family is organizing a collation open to friends and family, with details to be shared later via word-of-mouth. Contributions are welcome in Mr. Compton's memory to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI, 02904 (https://www.hopehealthco.org/ways-to-give/donatenow/).

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Providence Journal on Jul. 1, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for James Compton

Sponsored by Hill-Skeffington Funeral Home and Cremations - East Greenwich.

12 Entries

Ari Lehner

August 23, 2020

We got to know Jim fairly well via 501’s (button down), 505’s (straight leg), 550’s (relax fit), 512 (slim fit), 517’s (boot cut), orange tag, red tag, stone washed, acid washed & all the rest as my Dad bought a TON of LEVI’s from Jim during 1970’s to 1990’s. By Dad and Jim establishes a great working relationship as well as a a great friendship. By coincidence, our families both ended up living in EG where Adam and I played baseball together for many years, allowing me to also get to know Jim as well. He was a kind, warm, selfless man and will be missed greatly. Wishing Jim’s amazing spirit lives on in his family & friends. With Deepest Sympathy, Ari & The Lehner Family

Carl Hoyer

July 9, 2020

To the Compton family...sorry to hear of Jim's passing. Peace and love to you all

Bill and Cynthia Sequino

July 2, 2020

It is with much sadness that we learned of Jims passing. We were lucky to meet Jim through our common love of cooking and frequent Gourmet Club get togethers. Jims extensive culinary knowledge and lively dinner conversations will definitely be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you

TJ Rhine

July 2, 2020

Uncle Jimmy was always a cool and funny guy to me. Always enjoyed the stories of the trouble him and my grandfather Russell would get into when they were kids. Rest up Unk!

Hilli and Nikos Passas

July 2, 2020

Ellen and family,

I am so glad that I had the chance to meet you and Jim finally last summer at the wine bottling, after hearing so many lovely things about you both. It was an afternoon to remember, and I am sorry there wasn't more time. Your and Jim's love and joy of life reverberate throughout your extended family. Our deepest condolences

Dianne Compton Tolujo

July 1, 2020

To Ellen and family. You came to Hawaii. We spent time in Rhode Island, we had a 25 pound lobster, or as Adam said "lospers". I was 5 when I met Uncle Jimmy. I had the biggest crush. I remember when he came home after the army. I was 7. Very excited to go to Gid's to see him. My sincere condolences. Debbie just told me. Glad I keep in touch with her. Family is so precious. Please take care and take comfort with your wonderful family. Uncle Jimmy was the best!!

Erika Compton

July 1, 2020

Uncle Jim was beloved by all who were lucky to have known him ...his laugh infectious, his smile grand, his heart huge. Love to you all.

Barbara Winkler

July 1, 2020

I have fond memories of Mr. Compton during the years my family lived on Westwood Drive. Always interesting conversations when he walked me home after babysitting the boys. He also let me borrow a pair of HUGE Levi Strauss jeans that my roommate and I wore as a costume for a PC Halloween Party on campus (how we each got in one leg and managed to move around escapes me!). Always a smile and interested in what I was doing. I feel so fortunate to have met him and like to think he is in heaven leaning on a piano with Marion and Charlie at the keyboard reminiscing about parties on Westwood Drive.
My deepest sympathies to Ellen and the family.

John Gale

July 1, 2020

With deepest sympathy, very sorry for your loss.

Deborah Compton

July 1, 2020

A super great uncle, always full of fun. He will be greatly missed!

John Puleo

July 1, 2020

Dear Ellen and family,
Sorry to learn of Jims passing. I enjoyed seeing both of you as patients over many years and thought of Jim as a friend. Always enjoyed our casual contact outside the office. Hopefully good memories will relieve some of your sorrow.
Sincerely,
John and Rachel Puleo

Marc Miller

June 30, 2020

Jim was such an influence on everyone and everything in my life. Over 42 years such wonderful memories. He was my guide in fathering, as a surrogate grandfather to my children before his own came along, teaching us about lobsters, The Sakonnet Winery, The Gourmet Group, Apple picking and most of all, The Lake where we spent so many times enjoying his company and laughter. You created so many memories for my children which will live on in their hearts and be carried on to their children.

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