James Christopher Tomlin

Lieutenant Colonel James “Jim” Christopher Allen Tomlin, U.S. Army, Retired, 80, of Springfield, Virginia died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on August 18, 2025. Jim Tomlin was born in Richmond, Virginia, January 31, 1945, to Francis Virginia Jones and Carl William Tomlin. In 1946, the family moved to Chevy Chase, Maryland, where Jim spent his early life.

He graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Clemson University while preparing for military service as an ROTC cadet. Jim served his country in the U.S. Army Infantry and Signal Corps. He married the love of his life, Sally Donaldson, on September 14, 1968, soon after college graduation. He completed flight training at Fort Wolters, Texas, and Fort Rucker, Alabama. Jim served proudly as a combat helicopter pilot with F Troop, 8th Cavalry, during the Vietnam War. He was a dedicated and accomplished soldier who was awarded both a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart.

Following his service in Vietnam, Jim and Sally embraced military life, relocating 13 times across the United States. He retired from the Army after 20 years as a Lieutenant Colonel. During his military career, he earned a Master’s of Telecommunications Engineering from the University of Colorado. After military retirement, Jim worked in the defense contracting industry and operated a home improvement business for several years. He had a fun-loving spirit and enjoyed spending time in the Shenandoah mountains.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Charles, and John. He is lovingly survived by his devoted wife of nearly 57 years, Sally; their daughters Kelly Tomlin Stuck, husband Bruce, and Amy Tomlin Paner, husband, Evan; six cherished grandchildren Sydney, Allison, Sean, Brendan, Benjamin, and Meredith; his niece, Mary Anne Tomlin Andrews, nephew, John Randolph Tomlin, Jr., their families; and extended family. Jim was a loving husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He was a kind and generous mentor to family and many friends over the years. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be directed to the Wounded Warrior Project to support injured veterans. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday afternoon, October 10 at 2:00 p.m. at the National Museum of the United States Army, with a reception to follow. A private family burial will be held at Arlington Cemetery at a future date.