James M. Tompkins age 79 of Galax, Virginia passed away Tuesday, April 12, 2011 in the North Carolina Baptist Hospital.

Mr. Tompkins was born on August 27, 1931 to Roby John and Grace Caroline Cockerham Tompkins.

He is survived by his wife Jean Tompkins; daughter and son-in-law Cecelia and Cliff Patton; son Dennis S. Tompkins all of Galax, Virginia; grandchildren Michael Patton and Matthew Patton; sisters Brenda Bedsaul and Clara Porterfield both of Elkin, North Carolina; brother Junior Tompkins of Randleman, N.C.; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2:00 PM in the Fairlawn Church of Christ with Nathan Crowe and Bob Parish officiating. Burial will follow in the Felts Memorial Cemetery with Military Rites by Hillsville VFW Post 1115. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 PM until 9:00 PM at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home.