Jessie Thompkins

Mr. Jessie James Tompkins, age 66, of Montgomery, Alabama, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 21, 2026, surrounded by his family and loved ones. Jessie was a devoted father, a cherished friend, and a pillar of strength to all who had the privilege of knowing him. Jessie was a high school teacher in the Montgomery, Alabama school system. He graduated from Murphy High School in Mobile, Alabama in 1979. Jessie Tompkins was an American athlete and educator from Mobile, Alabama. Tompkins attended and ran track for Murphy High School, Bishop State Community College in Mobile, Alabama, and for the University of South Alabama in Mobile, Alabama. He also participated in the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama, and later attended Alabama State University in Montgomery. In 1997, Jessie was the lead plaintiff in the Tompkins v. Alabama State University lawsuit. He was one of four African American students who filed a lawsuit to eliminate racial requirements for the all-white scholarship program at Alabama State University. Tompkins's case was featured in the Wall Street Journal in an article presented by journalist June Kronholz. Tompkins led the nation in the indoor 50-yard hurdles (42-inch) and the outdoor 400-meter hurdles in 1979 while in high school. He also led the nation in junior college 400-meter hurdles and ranked among the top 50 U.S. hurdlers in 1981. Jessie organized and developed the East Montgomery Track Club for youths in rural Montgomery, Alabama. Personal Best Marks 50-yard hurdles: 6.35, 1979 60-meter hurdles: 7.51 s, 1982 500 m dash: 63.4 s, 1984 Long jump: 7.56 meters (24 ft, 8.25 in), 1980 As a father, Jessie's love knew no bounds. His dedication to his family and friends was evident in every aspect of his life. He instilled values of kindness, resilience, and compassion in his children and family. Jessie brought joy to family gatherings, his laughter resonating through moments shared with loved ones. Beyond his roles as a father, brother, and uncle, Jessie was a loyal friend. His generosity and willingness to help others endeared him to those fortunate enough to call him a friend. He was truly a joy to be around, spending his leisure time helping others and visiting family and friends. Jessie was born in Marion, Alabama on August 28, 1959. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Essie Tompkins, his brother Johnny Lee Tompkins, and one son, Jermaine Tompkins. He is survived by his children and grandchildren: Essie Jenkins of Flint, Michigan; Steve/Mason (Courtney) of Tennessee; Andre/Allison, Avianna, Lyric, Terrance/Amani, a ‘Layna, Jamari, Devin/Devin Jr., Aa’yden Beasley (all siblings with last name Beasley), Alecia Boone/Ayannah, Ayannah, all of Montgomery, Alabama; Allen Griggs of Tennessee; Jessie Tompkins and Titania Salter of Mobile, Alabama. Jessie is also survived by two sisters, Jacqueline (Clarence) Tompkins-White of Mobile, Alabama, and Barbara (Roberto) of Chicago, Illinois; two brothers, Willie Tompkins and Leon Wilson (Lucy) from Mobile, Alabama; one devoted niece, Shanitha White from Mobile, Alabama; and a host of family and friends.

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