Painting courtesy of Jean Terry, PSA
James Donald Combs, 95, of Crossville, IL and Spring Hill, KS, peacefully passed from this life to join his Master, late on Sunday, May 9, 2021.
Jim or Jimmy, as he was known by relatives and friends, is survived by five children: Kathy Helpingstine (Mark) of Harrisonville, MO, Steve Combs of Crossville, Jeff Combs (Deanna) of Elkview, WV, Karen Chisholm (Tom) of Spring Hill, KS, and Robin Combs of New Haven, IL. Fourteen grandchildren; Todd Helpingstine, Rachel Smith, Clifton Helpingstine, Jeremy Combs, Nicholas Combs, Samantha Hill, Levi Combs, Lydia Combs, Jennifer Helms, Steven Chisholm, Michael Chisholm, John Chisholm, Brody Combs, and Dylan Kuykendall, twenty-three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was born on April 5, 1926 in Philips Township, White County, IL. He grew up near Crossville and attended Crossville High School. He enlisted in the US Army before graduating to serve his country during WWII. As a member of the 81st Calvary, Jim was part of the Southern Philippines Liberation at the end of the war to disarm the Japanese of small arms, one of the few details he ever discussed. Jim received the American Theater Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Service Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon, and Good Conduct Medal.
Jim returned home from the war and soon met the love of his live, Valeria Flowers and they wed on November 23, 1950. After working various oil field jobs, they settled in Crossville and Jim worked as an electrician for Superior Oil Co., which later sold to Mobil Oil Co. He retired from Mobil Oil Co. in 1989. Jim and Valeria served as caretakers at Spring Mill Bible Camp in Mitchell, IN for 7 years before truly retiring and returning to their home in Crossville. In 2014, Jim and Valeria began splitting their time between Crossville, IL, Raymore, MO, and Spring Hill, KS.
Jim was baptized into Christ on August 29, 1954 and was a member of the Church of Christ. We remember him as a “man of few words”. The only time he had much to say was when his brothers visited, and they argued about politics. If you wanted to know how he did something you had to watch and learn, that is after all, how he learned. Jim enjoyed gardening, remodeling, mowing, pecan collecting, and traveling when he could. In the last few years, he enjoyed watching his great grandchildren and spending time with family. He especially enjoyed going along for the car ride to anywhere, so long as he rode in the front seat.
Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Valeria Flowers Combs in 2016; son James D. Combs, Jr in 1974; his parents, Michael Sr. & Gladys Combs; one sister, Norma Parson; and two brothers, Michael Jr. & Bernard Ray Combs.
His children wish to thank the LORD for giving them such God loving parents and for having them for so many years.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Crossville Church of Christ, 302 State Street, Crossville, IL 62827.
A funeral will be held at the 151st Street Church of Christ, 13875 W 151st Street, Olathe, KS on Friday afternoon, May 14, 2021. Visitation will start at 2:00pm followed by the funeral at 3:00pm. This service is being handled by Penwell-Gabel of Olathe, KS. This service will be live-streamed.
On Monday, May 17th the family will receive visitors at the Cook Funeral Chapel, Crossville, IL, starting at 10:00am followed by a funeral at 11:00am. Then, graveside with military honors immediately following, and interment at Phillipstown Cemetery. Jim will be laid to rest beside his wife Valeria. The funeral in Illinois is being handled by Cook Funeral Chapel.