Live Video Broadcast will open 15 minutes prior to the 1:00 PM MTN time service
James Charles Tompkins transitioned from this life on May 27, 2023. He was born in 1938 to Bernadine (Erickson) and Elwood Tompkins. He joined 2 brothers Allen (Myrle) and Thomas (Janet). Jim attended Helena schools graduating from Helena High School in 1956. He went on to attend Eastern (Billings) and MSU (Bozeman). He had a career of over 33 years with the State of Montana.
He married the love of his life Patsy Lovely and celebrated over 64 years of marriage. Together, they had 4 daughters Cinda Tompkins, Kathleen Field (Edward), Jaime Tompkins, Gwen George (Brook). Grandfather to Ryan and Paul Field, Samuel and Sophia George and Uncle to many.
Jim could fix most anything. He even fixed the moon according to one daughter. He was an exceptional woodworker, silversmith, card and cribbage player. He was in his element being in the wild hunting, camping, hiking, fishing with flies he tied.
He was predeceased by daughter Cinda Tompkins, his parents, niece Hilary Tompkins, and sister-in-law Myrle Tompkins.
Viewing will take place from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 1, 2023 at Retz Funeral Home, 315 E. 6th Ave. Please join us for a celebration of Jim’s life at Plymouth Congregational Church 400 S. Oakes Street, Helena Montana Saturday June 3 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers consider donating in Jim’s name to St. Peters Hospice, 201 S. California St. Helena, MT or Plymouth Congregational Church.
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 1, 2023
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 South Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday June 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 South Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday June 1, 2023
Retz Funeral Home
315 E. 6th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Funeral Service
1:00 p.m.
Saturday June 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 South Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59601
Reception
Following the Funeral Service
Saturday June 3, 2023
Plymouth Congregational Church
400 South Oakes Street
Helena, Montana 59601
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Helen Diehl Hoffman says
Patsy and family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. We are all going to miss Jim.
Deanna Cain-Ziesman says
Jaime – I am so truly sorry to see that you have lost your father. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Give your mother a hug from me.
Deanna and Fred
Maryann Rader says
So sorry for your loss, Jaime.
Karen and Darrell Davis says
Jim… your legacy lives on through the great examples and teaching you passed on to your lovely daughters and their families. The worlds a better place because of you and you are already sorely missed.
Monica Spini says
Gwen – you, your mom and whole family are in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.
– The Spinis
K.C. Hill says
To the Tompkins family, Hoping you find strength at this difficult time. I have fond memories of how welcoming your family was to our FCC youth group.