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In Memory of

Compton, James Michael

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Obituary
Tribute Wall
Obituary of Compton, James Michael

James Michael Compton, known to friends as "Mike," passed away on Friday, August 18, 2017, his seventieth birthday. There are a few great men, and now there is one less. Mike was an incredible, God-loving man who chose a quiet path and let his actions be his voice. Fittingly, that's how he left this world, quiet and peacefully but bold enough to pass on his birthday. He touched many people with his huge heart and kind actions, and he lived to serve anyone who crossed his path. He enjoyed nothing more than taking care of those he loved, especially his wife. Mike was the most devoted father and loved any activity involving his children. There was never any question his family was his highest priority. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, Mike spent much of his youth in Alabama. He graduated from Coffee County High School in Manchester, Tennessee, in 1965. Mike attended Middle Tennessee State University where he was on the competitive shooting team, graduating with a degree in history in 1969. Upon graduation he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served as a Cobra Helicopter pilot in Vietnam and was awarded three Air Medals, two with V Devices, for actions in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain from the Army in 1973. Mike and Kathy met in February of 1970 and were married in 1972 after he returned from Vietnam. Early in their marriage, they lived in several locations, including Illesheim, Germany. They eventually settled in Carrollton, Texas, where they raised their three children. After his military service, Mike spent his entire professional career of 37 years with Texas Instruments, retiring as flight dispatcher and scheduler for the TI Flight Department in 2008. He served on the National Business Aviation Association Schedulers and Dispatchers Committee and chaired the committee in 2001. During his early time with Texas Instruments, Mike studied and received his MBA from St. Edward’s University in Georgetown, Texas. He is lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Mary Katherine “Kathy” (née McGlaun); his mother-in-law, Nadell McGlaun of Plano, Texas; his children Karen and Bryan Compton of Plano, Texas, Dr. Jeffrey Compton of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and Carin and Cameron Asby of Houston, Texas. He will be fondly remembered by his three grandchildren, Anna Katherine, Elizabeth James, and Leo Thomas Asby of Houston, Texas. Mike also leaves behind his brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Ray and Rhonda Compton of Paris, Tennessee, and his niece Bailey Compton of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Included in the many who will miss him most are his two beloved dogs, Lola and Jon-Jon. Mike is preceded in death by his parents Sarah Faye and Carson L. Compton and his father-in-law, Donald E. McGlaun. Visitation with the family will begin at noon on Wednesday, August 23, and a funeral service will immediately follow at 1:30 pm at First Baptist Church Carrollton, Texas. Graveside services, with military honors, will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 at 11:30 am at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, Texas 75211. Memorial donations in memory of Mike can be made to: John 3:16 Emergency Shelter ~ P.O. Box 1107012 ~ Carollton, Texas 75011 Please leave the family condolences and share memories on this website.

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  1. Frank Hickman II says:

    I was sorry to learn of the passing of Mike in the most recent issue of the MTSU magazine. I first met Mike as we both were selected to attend the advanced ARMY ROTC training at Middle Tennessee during our sophomore year. We both were commissioned upon graduation from MTSU in May of 1969. My memories of Mike are of a man who always had a great sense of humor, and one who was always ready to assist me and others as we went through our advanced ROTC training. As often happens we lost track as we went off to serve our Country. In learning that Mike piloted a Cobra I am now left to wonder if he might have been flying cover for our Cavalry Squadron as we worked the ground in the Republic of South Vietnam.

    A good man gone to a better place……..God’s Speed Mike Compton.

    Frank Hickman II

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I was sorry to learn of the passing of Mike in the most recent issue of the MTSU magazine. I first met Mike as we both were selected to attend the advanced ARMY ROTC training at Middle Tennessee during our sophomore year. We both were commissioned upon graduation from MTSU in May of 1969. My memories of Mike are of a man who always had a great sense of humor, and one who was always ready to assist me and others as we went through our advanced ROTC training. As often happens we lost track as we went off to serve our Country. In learning that Mike piloted a Cobra I am now left to wonder if he might have been flying cover for our Cavalry Squadron as we worked the ground in the Republic of South Vietnam.

    A good man gone to a better place……..God’s Speed Mike Compton.

  2. Patty Hagen says:

    Mike was one of the kindest and gentle mannered people. He had a smile for everyone he met and never minded lending a hand to someone. It was my privilege to have worked with Mike in the Aviation Community. My prayers to his wife and family during this most difficult time. We’ve lost a fine man.

    Patty Hagen

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Mike was one of the kindest and gentle mannered people. He had a smile for everyone he met and never minded lending a hand to someone. It was my privilege to have worked with Mike in the Aviation Community. My prayers to his wife and family during this most difficult time. We've lost a fine man.

  3. Charlie Finch says:

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike Compton, but I have had the privilege of having his son Jeff as one of my best friends these last several years. Any man who raises his kids to become men like Jeff must be a hell of a person himself. Reading about Mike, it is clear that he has made many contributions to this world, but none greater than the amazing family he left behind.

    Charlie Finch

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike Compton, but I have had the privilege of having his son Jeff as one of my best friends these last several years. Any man who raises his kids to become men like Jeff must be a hell of a person himself. Reading about Mike, it is clear that he has made many contributions to this world, but none greater than the amazing family he left behind.

  4. Lynn & Fred Nash says:

    Our deepest condolences to Mike’s family. He was my wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. Mike, you will truly be missed. Kathy & family, our prayers are with you.

    Lynn & Fred Nash

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Our deepest condolences to Mike's family. He was my wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. Mike, you will truly be missed. Kathy & family, our prayers are with you.

  5. Renee Courington says:

    I am so sorry for you loss…however I know that up in heaven Aunt Faye was waiting to welcome her first born with open arms. The Alabama cousins are thinking of you and your family.

    Renee Courington

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I am so sorry for you loss...however I know that up in heaven Aunt Faye was waiting to welcome her first born with open arms. The Alabama cousins are thinking of you and your family.

  6. Ron Willis says:

    Beautiful obituary for a life well lived. Mike and I were close in high school, at MTSU, and, most of all in the First Baptist Church in Manchester. His dad and mine were Deacons; we shared many great times in that church. RIP, Mike.

    Ron Willis

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Beautiful obituary for a life well lived. Mike and I were close in high school, at MTSU, and, most of all in the First Baptist Church in Manchester. His dad and mine were Deacons; we shared many great times in that church. RIP, Mike.

  7. Sarah Szuminski says:

    I was fortunate to meet and become friends with Carin during our study abroad semester while at A&M. Even all these years later, I can remember Carin speaking with admiration and pride about her father. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are comforted by warm memories of his life and the times you all shared together.

    Sarah Szuminski

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I was fortunate to meet and become friends with Carin during our study abroad semester while at A&M. Even all these years later, I can remember Carin speaking with admiration and pride about her father. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are comforted by warm memories of his life and the times you all shared together.

  8. Gordon (Joe) Warner says:

    When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you.
    In the words of Helen Keller: What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.

    Gordon (Joe) Warner

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you.
    In the words of Helen Keller: What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.

  9. larry johnson says:

    Went to HS with Mike and like most classmates, lost track. Seems to have had a nice family and good life. My condolences in your grief.

    larry johnson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Went to HS with Mike and like most classmates, lost track. Seems to have had a nice family and good life. My condolences in your grief.

  10. Dale Miller says:

    My sincerest condolences to Mike’s family. He and I were classmates in high school, lived in the same neighborhood as teens, and were in Vietnam at about the same time. May he rest in peace.

    Dale Miller

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    My sincerest condolences to Mike's family. He and I were classmates in high school, lived in the same neighborhood as teens, and were in Vietnam at about the same time. May he rest in peace.

  11. Pat & Ken Hendry says:

    Kathy we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a sweet and caring man. He will be missed.

    Pat & Ken Hendry

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Kathy we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a sweet and caring man. He will be missed.

  12. Wynell and Bob Esson says:

    Kathy and your sweet family,
    Bob and I send our deepest sympathy. All of you are in my prayers.
    Love,
    Wynell and Bob

    Wynell and Bob Esson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Kathy and your sweet family,
    Bob and I send our deepest sympathy. All of you are in my prayers.
    Love,
    Wynell and Bob

  13. Kirk and Cheryl Rothell says:

    We send our love to Kathy and her family. Mike was loved by all of us in the rv club. He will be missed.

    Kirk and Cheryl Rothell

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We send our love to Kathy and her family. Mike was loved by all of us in the rv club. He will be missed.

13 thoughts on “Compton, James Michael”

  1. Frank Hickman II

    I was sorry to learn of the passing of Mike in the most recent issue of the MTSU magazine. I first met Mike as we both were selected to attend the advanced ARMY ROTC training at Middle Tennessee during our sophomore year. We both were commissioned upon graduation from MTSU in May of 1969. My memories of Mike are of a man who always had a great sense of humor, and one who was always ready to assist me and others as we went through our advanced ROTC training. As often happens we lost track as we went off to serve our Country. In learning that Mike piloted a Cobra I am now left to wonder if he might have been flying cover for our Cavalry Squadron as we worked the ground in the Republic of South Vietnam.

    A good man gone to a better place……..God’s Speed Mike Compton.

    Frank Hickman II

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I was sorry to learn of the passing of Mike in the most recent issue of the MTSU magazine. I first met Mike as we both were selected to attend the advanced ARMY ROTC training at Middle Tennessee during our sophomore year. We both were commissioned upon graduation from MTSU in May of 1969. My memories of Mike are of a man who always had a great sense of humor, and one who was always ready to assist me and others as we went through our advanced ROTC training. As often happens we lost track as we went off to serve our Country. In learning that Mike piloted a Cobra I am now left to wonder if he might have been flying cover for our Cavalry Squadron as we worked the ground in the Republic of South Vietnam.

    A good man gone to a better place……..God’s Speed Mike Compton.

  2. Mike was one of the kindest and gentle mannered people. He had a smile for everyone he met and never minded lending a hand to someone. It was my privilege to have worked with Mike in the Aviation Community. My prayers to his wife and family during this most difficult time. We’ve lost a fine man.

    Patty Hagen

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Mike was one of the kindest and gentle mannered people. He had a smile for everyone he met and never minded lending a hand to someone. It was my privilege to have worked with Mike in the Aviation Community. My prayers to his wife and family during this most difficult time. We've lost a fine man.

  3. I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike Compton, but I have had the privilege of having his son Jeff as one of my best friends these last several years. Any man who raises his kids to become men like Jeff must be a hell of a person himself. Reading about Mike, it is clear that he has made many contributions to this world, but none greater than the amazing family he left behind.

    Charlie Finch

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I never had the pleasure of meeting Mike Compton, but I have had the privilege of having his son Jeff as one of my best friends these last several years. Any man who raises his kids to become men like Jeff must be a hell of a person himself. Reading about Mike, it is clear that he has made many contributions to this world, but none greater than the amazing family he left behind.

  4. Lynn & Fred Nash

    Our deepest condolences to Mike’s family. He was my wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. Mike, you will truly be missed. Kathy & family, our prayers are with you.

    Lynn & Fred Nash

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Our deepest condolences to Mike's family. He was my wonderful boss, mentor, and friend. Mike, you will truly be missed. Kathy & family, our prayers are with you.

  5. Renee Courington

    I am so sorry for you loss…however I know that up in heaven Aunt Faye was waiting to welcome her first born with open arms. The Alabama cousins are thinking of you and your family.

    Renee Courington

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I am so sorry for you loss...however I know that up in heaven Aunt Faye was waiting to welcome her first born with open arms. The Alabama cousins are thinking of you and your family.

  6. Beautiful obituary for a life well lived. Mike and I were close in high school, at MTSU, and, most of all in the First Baptist Church in Manchester. His dad and mine were Deacons; we shared many great times in that church. RIP, Mike.

    Ron Willis

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Beautiful obituary for a life well lived. Mike and I were close in high school, at MTSU, and, most of all in the First Baptist Church in Manchester. His dad and mine were Deacons; we shared many great times in that church. RIP, Mike.

  7. I was fortunate to meet and become friends with Carin during our study abroad semester while at A&M. Even all these years later, I can remember Carin speaking with admiration and pride about her father. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are comforted by warm memories of his life and the times you all shared together.

    Sarah Szuminski

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    I was fortunate to meet and become friends with Carin during our study abroad semester while at A&M. Even all these years later, I can remember Carin speaking with admiration and pride about her father. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope you are comforted by warm memories of his life and the times you all shared together.

  8. Gordon (Joe) Warner

    When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you.
    In the words of Helen Keller: What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.

    Gordon (Joe) Warner

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    When we lose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. May you take comfort in knowing that you have an angel to watch over you now. I extend my most sincere condolences to you.
    In the words of Helen Keller: What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.

  9. Went to HS with Mike and like most classmates, lost track. Seems to have had a nice family and good life. My condolences in your grief.

    larry johnson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Went to HS with Mike and like most classmates, lost track. Seems to have had a nice family and good life. My condolences in your grief.

  10. My sincerest condolences to Mike’s family. He and I were classmates in high school, lived in the same neighborhood as teens, and were in Vietnam at about the same time. May he rest in peace.

    Dale Miller

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    My sincerest condolences to Mike's family. He and I were classmates in high school, lived in the same neighborhood as teens, and were in Vietnam at about the same time. May he rest in peace.

  11. Pat & Ken Hendry

    Kathy we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a sweet and caring man. He will be missed.

    Pat & Ken Hendry

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Kathy we are so sorry for your loss. Mike was a sweet and caring man. He will be missed.

  12. Wynell and Bob Esson

    Kathy and your sweet family,
    Bob and I send our deepest sympathy. All of you are in my prayers.
    Love,
    Wynell and Bob

    Wynell and Bob Esson

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    Kathy and your sweet family,
    Bob and I send our deepest sympathy. All of you are in my prayers.
    Love,
    Wynell and Bob

  13. Kirk and Cheryl Rothell

    We send our love to Kathy and her family. Mike was loved by all of us in the rv club. He will be missed.

    Kirk and Cheryl Rothell

    Thursday October 13, 2022

    We send our love to Kathy and her family. Mike was loved by all of us in the rv club. He will be missed.

Leave a Reply

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Share A Message Or Condolence

Add Photo Memories with Compton,

The maximum upload file size: 100 MB. You can upload: image. Drop files here