James "Jim" Tompkins, 83, of Metamora, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at his home with his family by his side.

He was born to Burnett "Buck" Eugene and Mary Louise Fierce Tompkins on November 30, 1940 in Canton, IL.  He married Valerie Wisniewski in 1966.  He later married Marian Rohman Kleen on March 15, 1986.  She survives.

Also surviving are one daughter, Jennifer L. (Tompkins) Bresnahan of Lakewood, CO; one son, Brian (Terri) Kleen of Metamora; seven grandchildren, Mason (Emma) Hagaman, Matthew Bresnahan, and Molly Bresnahan, all of Lakewood, CO, Jessica (Michael) Scheirer of East Peoria, Michael (Cheyanne) Kleen of Roanoke, Zachary (Samantha) Kleen of Washburn and Margaret Kleen of Metamora; three great-grandchildren, Adalynne Kleen of Roanoke, Carson and Charlotte Kleen of Washburn; brother, R. Dennis (Linda) Tompkins of Morton; three brother-in-laws; two sister-in-laws; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Peter Stutsman; daughter, Pamela Tompkins; two sisters, Sandra (Susie) McMillen and Jody McCamey; and brother-in-law, Bill McCamey.

Jim was a United States Army Veteran, serving as a 1st Lieutenant during the Vietnam War.  He received his Bachelor's Degree of Electrical Engineering from Bradley University in 1963.

He worked at CILCO, now, Ameren Illinois.  He retired as General Supervisor of underground utilities in January of 2000 after 30 years of service.

He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora and the Knights of Columbus, Council #3060.

Jim was a Chicago Cubs fan and an avid golfer.  He liked reading, antiquing, traveling, yard work, country music, dancing, and driving for numerous car dealerships after retirement.  Jim was proud to say he was a member of the Hole in One club.  In 2000, he was the Peoria Men's Senior Citizen A Flight champion.  He loved his cat, Pokey.  Most of all, Jim loved his family.   He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandkids and great-grandkids, taking them golfing, fishing and to get lemon ice cream.  The family would like to send a special thank you to Snyder Village Home Care and Carle Health Hospice for taking care of Jim.

Funeral Mass will be at 11am Thursday, November 21st at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Metamora.  Father David Kipfer will officiate.  Visitation will be from 4:30 to 6:30pm Wednesday, November 20th at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington.  Further visitation will be one hour before Mass on Thursday at the church from 10 to 11am. Burial will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Metamora.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Mary's Grade School of Metamora.