Mr. James Athenagoras Tsompanas, 60, passed away on April 14, 2026.
James was born on February 28, 1966, in Pontiac, Michigan, but grew up in Pittsburgh, California. He attended California State University. James served as an Army Ranger, then as sheriff in the Harford County Sheriffs Office, a federal agent for Homeland Security, FLETC, and protective service detail for the Secretary of Agriculture. He served in Iraq and Afghanistan. James had a passion for history, travel, RVing, and visiting National Parks.
He is preceded in death by his father, Rev. Constantine Tsompanas and brother, Emmanuel Tsompanas.
James is survived by his mother Mary Tsompanas, partner Kelly Lane and her daughter, Darby Willcockson, sons, Peter Tsompanas and Nicholas Tsompanas; sisters, Catherine Petropoulous and Francine Draneas; special friends, Chris Taylor, Rodney Gunter and Donnie Hopps; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Offer Condolence for the family of James Athenagoras Tsompanas February 28, 1966 – April 14, 2026
Print This Obituary & Condolences
Dr. Cynthia Barney
Praying for Kelly, Darby, and James’ family. James was an outstanding individual. He was loved by many friends in Maryland, especially his beautiful Kelly. May he continue to be loved through his legacy and honorable duties to the police force, military, and U.S. government.
Lynn Duckworth
Kelly, sending you my love, prayers and deepest sympathy on the passing of James.
Oma (Lynn Duckworth)
Tracey & Tim
Demetri had such an impact of everyone around him. He lived in and shared joy with all. He will be missed deeply. Kelly and Darby, you are not alone.
Julie Bruce
I so very sorry to learn of Jim’s passing and so very sorry for your loss. I hadn’t talked to him in a long time but have always thought of him as a good friend..
Rodney Gunter
God speed my brother.
The White Family
Kelly & Family,
Please accept our deepest condolences. May you all remember God’s promise at Revelation 21:3,4…” and death will be no more..”
The White Family
Kelly & Family,
We are so very sorry to hear this sad news. Please accept our deepest condolences. May you all remember God’s promise at Revelation 21:3,4…” and death will be no more..”
Mark and Terry
In the short time we had the pleasure to know the “D-Man” it was an instant friendship. He truly would give you the shirt off his back, cook as if he was catering for 50 people and there were only 8, and just a great all around person, who put everyone before himself. The love that he had for Kelly was visible to all. May you rest in peace our sweet friend. You carved a space on our hearts that will never be forgotten.
Patti Hoey
Dear Kelly. I’m so sad and my heart hurts for you. Look for Cardinals. They can b a symbol that Demitri is watching over you and is near. I knew him only as a kind and gentle man with a ready smile. I’m very happy that you found each other and enjoyed so many adventures together. So much Love, Patti Hoey
Steve Poort
Rest easy brother. You will never be forgotten. Many good memories my friend. We are praying for your family.
Gerald Stone
I first want to say how profoundly sad I am that my friend and Jim Tsompanas has passed away. When I first heard the terrible news, I was angry, angry at God for taking such a great man from all of us who admired him and loved him. I know that those feelings were selfish of me, that God has a plan for all of us even if we don’t understand or agree with his plan. Jim was an amazing man who served his country not only in the military but also his community for years as a police officer.
To be an Army Ranger was truly an honor for Jim, we often talked about our service in the military and if you didn’t know, Army Ranger school is one of the toughest tests of military skill, determination, small unit leadership and just plain guts!!! Ranger School is a 61-day gut check that comprises three phases of training, each one a true test of physical endurance, mental strength, and leadership that Jim made it through and graduated with the coveted Range tab. Wow!!! what a true Warrior Jim was and his service in the military will never be forgotten. Jim also served his community in Hartford County MD as a police officer with equal distinction and honor, always putting his community first, protecting those who needed his strength, always faithful to his duty, fair but firm in his interactions with anyone he met and lastly selfless in his life of service as a police officer. I truly believe that God favors those who protect the most vulnerable and live a life of service to others. Jim embodied everything that is right in law enforcement and his brothers/sister police officers to this day hold the thin blue line in his honor.
Jim was just an “Outstanding” FLETC instructor, he was so accomplished as an instructor, Jim could teach anything and everything from police tactics, firearms training, and leadership in policing. To say he was a subject matter expert, aka a SME truly was only a small sample of his amazing skills. Jim mentored me and so many of his fellow instructors on how to be the best instructor we could be, always positive, no task to difficult, and meticulous in his instructing. Jim was a natural when it came to being a police instructor, his real-world experiences as a career police officer gave him not only credibility but respect and truly was admired by not only myself but the students he taught every day. Jim was one of the best instructors that FLETC Cheltenham ever had and the greatest compliment a fellow instructor can give to another is Jim taught me to be a better instructor and for that I am forever grateful.
I am sure everyone would agree; Jim Tsompanas was a shining example of the goodness men can be and should conduct themselves as a gentleman. Jim loved life with a passion, everything he did was 100% all in, he loved his friends, his family and life partner Kelly fiercely with not one regret or sadness is his heart. The instant you met Jim Tsompanas you knew he was different, in a good way and special. If you met Jim, you could never forget him and for all of those he knew and loved Jim, our lives are better for that. Lastly do not grieve that Jim is gone, he wouldn’t want that but carry on his goodness, his love, his passion for life and be happy knowing we will meet again friend.
Gerald Stone