J.A. "Jay" Tompkins, Jr. was born in Lawton November 26, 1929, the only child of James Arthur and Eunice (Witty) Tompkins. Working on the family farm, learning the scrap business and selling watermelons from the back of his truck, Jay showed an early aptitude for business of all kinds. Jay was the Oklahoma High School Rodeo state champion for calf roping in 1948 and luckily lassoed the love of his life, Barbara Anne (Stone) Tompkins of Marlow, who survives him. The first time they met Jay said, "I'm going to marry that girl," and marry her he did on April 17, 1949. Making a loving home first in Duncan and then in Bethany, Jay and Barbara reared four children while building multiple businesses in real estate, auctioneering, energy and demolition. Tompkins and Company was for many years a leading demolition firm across the Southwest, active in disaster recovery and urban renewal projects that shaped cities across the region. Jay served on several professional, church and ministry boards. Both work and lay ministry took Jay and Barbara across the country and around the world, with many of these adventures captured in his 2012 autobiography, "Life's a Blast." Jay died peacefully at home September 2 after an extended illness. In addition to his wife of 65 years, Jay is survived by their beloved children and spouses, Judy and Larry Porter, Lynda and Gary Plemons, Rick and Lisa Tompkins and Lanell and Larry Olson; 10 grandchildren (and eight great-grandchildren): Jay Porter and David Smith, James "Trae" and Sue Ann Tompkins (Avery and Weston), Janet and Mark Muller (Natalie and Amelie), Julie and Kasey Scott, Kyle and Tiana Plemons (Grayson), Clay and Allison Tompkins (Warren), Lyndi and Brad Zavy (Porter), Katy and Travis Turney (Lucy), Kelley and Colby Connel, and Kristen Olson and her fianc Tyler Neal. He is also survived by aunt Gene Bridges and her husband Herb, of Lawton, numerous cousins including Geraldine Clifton, who was reared by his parents, and many friends. Jay continued his commitment to witness throughout his life, in the gentle spirit of Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The family welcomes donations in lieu of flowers to Crossings Community Clinic, Gideons International and Oklahoma County Prison Ministries, where Jay was a volunteer chaplain. Family will be present for visitation 6-8 p.m., Thursday, September 4, at Mercer Adams Funeral Home, 3925 N. Asbury, Bethany. Services will be held 2 p.m., Friday, September 5, in the Chapel at Crossings Community Church, 14600 N. Portland Ave., Oklahoma City. Funeral Service Friday, September 5, 2014 02:00 PM Crossings Community Church 14600 N. Portland Avenue Oklahoma City, OK