Obituary of James M. Combs

James Marshall “J.M.” Combs, of Florence, KY passed away surrounded by his loving family at his residence on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at the glorious age of 88. He was born in Breathitt County, KY on February 22, 1933; the son of the late Delbert and Dora Combs. J.M. worked for many years and retired from Equitable/Duro Bag Company as a print machine foreman and held gold card status as a Mason. In his earlier years, J.M. often enjoyed bowling and playing golf. As time passed, his interests grew to include shuffleboard and playing cards. J.M. had a love for food, especially Boston Crème donuts, chocolate covered peanuts and chicken and dumplings. He often had a large vegetable garden that he tended to. In his later years, he, his wife and son Doug would often spend their winters in DeBary, FL. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his beloved family who he cherished deeply.

Preceding J.M. in death were his parents; a daughter, Janet Arrowood; a brother, Clarence Combs and three sisters, Arlena Turner, Betty Cole and Nannie Turner.

Those left surviving to carry on J.M.’s legacy include his lovingly devoted and faithful wife of 67 years, Jessie Combs; sons, Keith (Julie) Combs and Doug Combs; grandchildren, Chris (Marsha) Arrowood, Brad (Lisa) Arrowood, Katie (Josh) Helmes, Kristie (Paul) Campbell, Lauren (Michael) Gerde and Brian Combs; great-grandchildren, Cody Campbell, Aubrey Helmes, Cayden Campbell, Avery Arrowood, Jorja Arrowood, Ella Helmes, M.J. Gerde and Maverick Gerde; sisters, Beulah Stamper and Flora Stamper as well as many other close relatives and numerous friends who are now emptier upon his passing.

A visitation celebrating J.M.’s life will be held from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Friday, June 11, 2021 at Chambers & Grubbs Funeral Home, 8461 Dixie Highway, Florence, KY 41042. A funeral service will be held the following day, Saturday, June 12, 2021 at 10:00 AM at the funeral home. J.M. will then be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Taylor Mill, KY.

Expressions of sympathy in J.M.’s name may be made to St. Elizabeth Hospice, 1 Medical Village Drive, Edgewood, KY 41017.

For directions, to leave a condolence message for the family, to share a fond memory of J.M., or to view the Celebration of Life tribute video, please visit the tabs on this page.