Tabor City, NC

James “Jim” Thorval Tompkins, age 89, of Tabor City, NC, died Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in McLeod Seacoast Hospital, Little River, SC.  He was born December 15, 1934, in Tabor City, NC.

Jim was a 1953 graduate of Tabor City High School, where he was the President of FFA, captain of the baseball team, and won the sportsmanship award.  From 1954 – 1956, he attended the Presbyterian Jr. College in St. Andrews, on an athletic scholarship as the pitcher and utility player on the baseball team.  He won the “Most Valuable Player” award and “Athlete of the Year” award in 1955-1956.  He also was the Vice President of the student council.

Jim was a veteran of the United States Army where he served 16 months in Korea from 1956 – 1958.

Continuing his education from 1959 – 1961 on a baseball scholarship at UNC Pembroke, he continued to pitch with a record of 13-3 in 2 years.  Accomplishments also included: Dean’s List his senior year, dorm representative to Student Council, and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and science.

His professional career began at Jones Central High School, Trenton, NC, from 1961 – 1963, as a teacher and basketball coach.  From 1963 – 1967, he taught and coached baseball at New Hope High School, Goldsboro, NC; and was instrumental in establishing the first football team there.  Also, in 1967, he earned his master’s degree in physical education and administration from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC.  From 1967-1968, he taught and coached basketball and baseball at Tabor City High School in Columbus County with a basketball record of 21-5.  He was named Southeastern North Carolina’s “Basketball Coach of the Year.”  From 1968 - 1973 he taught, coached, and served as Athletic Director at Southwood Jr. College in Salemburg, NC.  From 1973 - 1984, he taught, coached, and served as Athletic Director for 7 years at Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, NC, and was named conference “Softball Coach of the Year.”  From 1984 – 1994, he finished his professional career in education as Assistant Principle at Southern Wayne High School, Dudley, NC, retiring in 1994 as Wayne County Assistant Principle of the year 1993 – 1994.

Jim was the son of the late Donnie Mahlon Tompkins and Bertie Lee Jacobs Tompkins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Dale Tompkins.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joyce Owens Tompkins, one son, James Neil Tompkins and wife Deborah of Myrtle Beach, SC; one grandson, Jared Lee Tompkins; and one sister, Faye Powell and husband Bobby of Loris, SC.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Tabor City Baptist Church.  The burial will be private. 

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service in the church.

A service of Inman Ward Funeral Home & Crematory.