Obituary of James R. Tompkins July 10, 2026

Webster/Greece – Jim, age 87, passed peacefully on September 3, 2025, at home, in the company of his beloved wife Patty and two daughters, Judy (Eric) Gesner and Amy (John) Gorton.

Jim was born in Rochester, NY in 1938. Predeceased by parents Bob and Elma Tompkins, and sister Wenda (Tom) Silco. He graduated from Pittsford Sutherland High School in 1956. He attended the University of Rochester, where he graduated in 1960 with a mechanical engineering degree and met fellow classmate, Patty.

Jim and Patty were married in 1964, joined the Rochester Canoe Club and bought their first Thistle sailboat, which they raced competitively together for many decades. This decision and Jim’s ability to make new friends, his inclination to travel to new places and his genuine interest in other people led to growing a social community circle that lasted his lifetime and continues with his family.

When Jim married Patty, they began a true partnership: raising two daughters, Judy and Amy, racing Thistles together, buying and improving the house/property, working together to run Jim’s family business for several years, supporting each other through years of volunteer Canoe Club board positions, enjoying family tent camping and eventually motorhome travel after retirement. Their educational travels after retirement led to adventures on every continent.

Jim will be deeply missed by Patty, daughters Judy (Eric) Gesner and Amy (John) Gorton, grandchildren Adam and Sara Gesner and Sophia and Claire Gorton. Watching their grandchildren grow and being able to be so involved in their various activities over the years brought both Jim and Patty great joy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Jim’s memory to the learn-to-sail program at ROC City Sailing (https://roccitysailing.org/).

A Celebration of Life (Jim said, “make it a party!”) will be held at a later date.