James Arthur Tomlinson

James Arthur Tomlinson passed away on September 28, 2026, surrounded by the love of the family he spent a lifetime building.

Born December 27, 1944, Jim lived a life marked by service, hard work, family, and love. He proudly served his country as a United States Army veteran during the Vietnam War and later built a long career with C&P Telephone, where he worked until his retirement.

But of all the titles he held throughout his life, some of the most important were Dad, Pop, Grandpa Jim, and Peepaw.

Jim was the father of five children, two of whom he didn’t have to be a father to, but chose to be and adopted.  That family grew to include 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, each knowing and loving him in their own special way.

Some of the family’s best memories were made along the Patuxent River, crabbing and fishing together. There were days on the water, crabs to pick, fish to catch, stories to tell, and, of course, a cold beer for Jim. He loved his beer and simple days spent with the people he loved. Jim also shared a special bond with his beloved four-legged best friend, Lane, a faithful companion who was never far from him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carolyn May Tomlinson, whom he loved and missed tremendously. His family finds comfort in knowing that after missing her for so long, Jim has finally joined Carolyn again in Heaven.

He leaves behind five children, 16 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jim was a Vietnam veteran. A telephone man. A husband. A dad by birth and by choice. Pop. Grandpa Jim. Peepaw. A fisherman and crabber. a man who loved his family.

After a life filled with family, memories, and love, Jim is finally home with Carolyn again.