Missing Johnson County man with dementia found safe after two-day search

Authorities say James Tompkins was found safe Friday and taken to a hospital for evaluation after a multi-agency search effort.

WRIGHTSVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – A Johnson County man reported missing Wednesday has been found safe following a large search effort involving multiple agencies, according to the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Management Agency.

The sheriff’s office said James Tompkins was found Friday and taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.

Tompkins, who has dementia, was last seen around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday near Georgia Highway 15 North at the Johnson and Washington County line. Deputies said he was on foot wearing a T-shirt and an adult diaper.

The sheriff’s office said overnight search operations were limited because of restricted resources, but a larger multi-agency search resumed Friday at 8 a.m.

Johnson County EMA later mentioned the man was successfully located and thanked the many departments that participated in the effort, including the Washington County Fire Departments, Sandersville Fire Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Georgia Department of Corrections Fire Services, Georgia State Patrol Aviation Unit, Georgia Bureau of Investigation and Georgia Emergency Management Agency.

Johnson County officials also thanked Johnson County EMS, Johnson County 911, Johnson County EMA Fire Rescue, Wrightsville Police Department, and Wrightsville Fire Department, as well as citizens who offered help and prayers during the search.