James "Jim" Lloyd Gompf

Jim’s service will be livestreamed and viewable below starting at 10:00 AM Friday, December 19, 2025:

Jim Gompf, age 95, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

James “Jim” Lloyd Gompf was born at St. John’s Hospital in Fargo, ND on December 13, 1929, to L.F. “Andy” Gompf and Hattie (Kerkow) Gompf. Jim attended Jefferson Elementary and Agassiz Elementary schools, Agassiz Jr. High and he graduated from Fargo Central High in 1947. He graduated from NDSU (North Dakota Agricultural College) in 1951. He began his sales career managing a Gambles store in Alma, Michigan from 1952-1954. Jim and Maureen returned to Fargo so he could join Andy in operating what was originally known as Northwest Advertising and Decorating Co. in 1954. He purchased the company in 1961 from Andy, (who founded the company in 1945). He changed the name to Gompf Displays, Inc. and continued to run the business until 2020, when he proudly turned over the business to his son, Marty Gompf, and grandson, Cory Gompf, to extend the business into a third and fourth generation. Anyone who visited the store on University Drive was treated as a “regular” and occasionally had the pleasure of visiting with Jim. Jim took great pride in meeting his customers’ needs and serving the community and region.

Jim married Maureen “Chisie” Chisholm in 1950, after meeting in college, and they made their home in Fargo for over fifty years together. He is survived by their children: Jean Gompf, Beth (John) Jones, Marty (Pam) Gompf, Brian Gompf, and Tracy (Shelly) Gompf. Grandchildren: Caitin (Jesse) Todd, Colin Schifferman, Hilary (Brian) Chapman, Fallon Jones, Toby Jones, Jennifer Gompf, Cory Gompf, Nicole McCabe, Alexis (Brian) Neal, Hattie Gompf, Josephine Gompf, Sadie Gompf, and Siri Gompf. Great-grandchildren: Wyatt Todd, Westin Todd, Tully Chapman, Olivia Gompf, Harper Neal, Seanna McCabe, and Chloe McCabe.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Andy, and Hattie, two brothers, Bill and Richard, and his wife, Maureen (Chisie) as well as numerous beloved aunts and uncles.

Jim was considered a” joiner” beginning in high school as a member of the DeMolay, Hi-Y, “Tipsy Ten,” Philomathean Society, and many sports. For decades he gave his time and talent across the FM community as Past President of: Theta Chi House Corporation, Fargo Housing Authority, F-M Advertising Club, Shoreham Chapel, Elks 260, Chamber of Commerce, Fargo Central Alumni Association, and El Zagal Shrine Chanters. He held board leadership roles at the Salvation Army for over 30 years, Fargo Housing and Urban Renewal Agency, Fargo Kiwanis Club, FM Convention Visitors Bureau, Junior Chamber of Commerce, Sunset Memorial Gardens, and the Park Place Condo Association. He also was a member of the Fargo Eagles, Moose Lodge, Navy Leage, Am Vets-Life Member, Downtown Community Partnership, Cass County Wildlife Club, El Zagal Shrine, Master Mason of Shiloh Lodge 1, Scottish Rite Freemasonry, Sons of Norway, Fleet Reserve Association, and the Alma Lions Club.

Jim retired after serving 22 years in the Navy Reserve. In addition to serving, he recruited numerous friends and acquaintances into the armed services. He was a recipient of the NDSU BEC Outstanding Alumni Award, FM Ad Club Silver Award, as well as the Navy Meritorious Service Award.

Jim treasured the relationships formed at Central High School in Fargo and served as President of the Fargo Central Alumni Association for many years. He penned the President’s Message in the Cynosure for decades, reluctantly stepping back from this role after countless tales recalling entertaining events and memories for Central Alumni.

Jim was baptized and confirmed by the First Presbyterian Church in Fargo. He was also an active member and past president at the Shoreham (Hattie B. Goodman) Chapel on Lake Melissa.

Jim’s greatest enjoyment in life came from time spent with family, hunting, socializing with friends, making a sale, relaxing, swimming, and making memories at Lake Melissa. He was a great raconteur with an amazing ability to recall people, businesses, and events from all parts of his life. Engaging in a conversation with Jim would often lead down a path filled with many tangents but always coming together at the end. In later years, Jim was a contributor to local news stories as he could be counted on as a knowledgeable source about F-M area history and would often provide humorous anecdotes and quotes. Since his passing, those who knew him recall that Jim always made them smile.

Memorials can be sent to Ethos Home Health Care and Hospice who provided meaningful care and companionship to Jim for the past two years.

A memorial service will be held at Boulger Funeral Home and Celebration of Life Center on Friday, December 19, 2025, at 10:00am, with a visitation gathering from 9:00am to 10:00am.