James "Jimmy" Edward Compton

James (Jimmy) Edward Compton went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, September 3, 2023. Jim was born on September 6, 1948. He grew up in Terrell, Texas as the only child of James (Jim) Harlin and Noleta (Nita) Hardie Compton. In the 1950's the family moved to Corsicana where Jim spent the rest of his life. He was a 1967 graduate of Corsicana High School where he was the lead (Conrad Birdie) in the first musical, Bye, Bye Birdie, that was directed by Rodney Haedge in 1966. He was a founding member of the local rock-n-roll band, THE BASSMEN, that played area dances from 1964-67, when the band dispersed due to the members heading off to different colleges. The Bassmen reassembled in the 80's to once again play for class reunions and other dances in the area. Jim began working at Navarro County Memorial Hospital after high school graduation in the Pharmacy Department as a technician and upon completion of his Pharmacy Degree from the University of Texas he was hired as a staff pharmacist and remained that position until his retirement in 2014. During the Vietnam War, he served in the Texas National Guard from 1972-1977. Jim met his wife, Karen, while they both worked at NCMH. They were married on July 20, 1974, and made their home in Corsicana, where they raised their only child, Ellen. Jim was an active member of First Methodist Church from the time he moved to Corsicana as a child until his passing. He and Karen could be found scouring antique stores near and far in their spare time. Jim was an avid reader, furniture restorer, jack-of-all-trades, and part time rancher. He had a deep love for God, his family, and Texas. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Nita Compton. Jim and Nita were educators for over 50 years. Before WWII, they taught at Emhouse and after the war, they taught in Terrell and Corsicana. Jim was the first principal of the "new" Collins Junior High from its opening until his retirement, and Nita taught at all CISD elementary schools at one time or another. Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen Pearson Compton; daughter Ellen Compton Carter, son-in-law Charles H. Carter and grandchildren Emmalee Grace Carter and James Harley Carter of Mabank. He is also survived by cousins, Marcie Bishop of Dallas, James Hardie of Austin and Ed Hardie of Round Rock. Visitation will be held Friday, September 15th from 5-7pm at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 1:00pm Saturday, September 16th at First Methodist Church of Corsicana. Interment will follow at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers are family Charles Carter, James Carter, and Ed Hardie, and dear friends Cliff Smith, James Smith, Kim Wyatt, Jack Lester, Matt Derden, James Crow, and his grandson of the heart Cole Jeffs. In lieu of flowers, donations to First Methodist Church Music program or the American Cancer Society would be greatly appreciated.

James "Jimmy" Edward Compton

September 6, 1948 - September 3, 2023