LaVerne J. "Jim" Tomkinson

Mr. LaVerne J. "Jim" Tomkinson, of Bay City, went home to his Lord Jesus Christ and was reunited with his beloved granddaughter Megan whom he dearly missed, on Thursday evening, May 7, 2015 at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, age 87. The son of the late LaVerne "Tommy" and Velva (Cutherson) Tomkinson, he was born on January 29, 1928 in Clio, MI. Jim was raised in Bay City. He served with the U.S. Army during the Korean War, where he was wounded in battle and was the recipient of the Purple Heart. Following his military service Jim returned to Bay City and was united in marriage to the former Norma J. Hannan on March 6, 1954. He began working for the railroad in 1955 and retired as a conductor from CSX Railways in 1990. Jim had great faith and a love of his Lord. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, working around his yard, tending to his flowers and favorite birds.
Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma; their three children and spouses, Penny and Jeff LaLonde of Bay City, Rick and Linda Tomkinson of Advance, North Carolina and Kelli and Kevin Buffman of Auburn; his eight grandchildren, Heather (Joe) Welz, Ashley (friend, Tim) LaLonde, Shannon (Ron) Ahrens, Joshua (Shannon) LaLonde, Sarah Tomkinson, Nathan Tomkinson, Joel (Claire) Tomkinson and Eric (Rachel) Buffman; 14 great-grandchildren; his brother, Donald (Stella) Tomkinson of Auburn; a sister, Mary Tomkinson of Bay City; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert Hannan, Gloria Abbs, Connie Phillips, Cheryl (Ed) Nashatka and Ed Babinski; and several nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Megan Buffman; and a sister, Betty Babinski.
It was Mr. Tomkinson's desire for cremation to take place. A private family celebration of life will be held later this summer. Arrangements are in the care of the Gephart Funeral Home, Inc. www.gephartfuneralhome.com