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James A. Combs, 96, of Dayton, died at Carlyle House on March 31, 2017, after a short illness.
He is survived by his daughter, Mary “Cecy” Combs, and her spouse, Mike Bachmann; his daughter, Jan Catanese, and her spouse, Tom Catanese; his daughter, Kate Combs; his granddaughter, Rosie Combs-Bachmann, and her spouse, Jeff Jackson; his grandsons, Alex Combs-Bachmann, Nicholas and Max Catanese and Nate Combs; his cousins, Rocco and Mary Jane Fuschetto, and their children, Janie, Angelina, Jimmy, Joseph and Anna; and friends too numerous to mention.
Jim was born in Union City, Ind., on Aug. 31, 1920, to Charles and Josephine Wallace Combs. He graduated from Bellefontaine High School in 1938, and from Ohio State in 1949. In between came jobs in business and in the tool and die industry, as well as a stint in the Army.
He married Mary Loehr on July 20, 1949. Then he and Mary moved from Columbus to Dayton to take new jobs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. After the birth of their first child, she devoted herself to caring for the family. Jim and Mary became charter members of St. Helen’s Church when they moved from Rainbow Drive to Biltmore Place in 1956.
After Jim’s retirement from Wright-Patterson in 1980, Jim and Mary enjoyed two wonderful trips to Australia and New Zealand. But they always had time to give their children and grandchildren loving attention and help. Jim also provided tender and constant care for Mary during her long decline before her death in 2005.
Jim remained an active and enthusiastic member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and held the office of treasurer for many terms. He was proud of being part of the successful effort to save the Victoria Theater when it teetered on the brink of destruction. His favorite activity was to take a family vacation that included driving long distances across the United States.
In his later years he looked forward to joining old friends in the First Tuesday club for lunch at the Air Force Museum and sharing occasions for food and fun with friends and family. He took great delight in attending a downtown show at the Victoria or Schuster. He most enjoyed a good conversation with old friends, or good conversations with a new friend. He maintained a great curiosity about life and a quick sense of humor into his very old age, in spite of struggling with memory loss. Jim was much loved by his family and his friends, and leaves us all with the warmest memories.
The family would like to express special thanks to the wonderful caregivers at Carlyle House, who supported them through difficult times.
Calling is from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, April 9, at the Tobias Funeral Home, Far Hills Chapel, 5471 Far Hills Ave., Dayton, where the Ancient Order of Hibernians conduct a ceremony during this visitation.
A Mass of Christian Burial begins at 10 a.m. Monday, April 10, in St. Helen’s Catholic Church, 605 Granville Place, Dayton. A private interment will be scheduled at a later date at Woodland Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Helen’s Parish, and Hospice of Dayton, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420.