Jim died April 12, 2014 of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his wife of 46 years, Sandra, two daughters, a son-in-law and a grandchild. Sandra reported this information on the web site. 4-12-14
I' m deeply saddened by this terrible news when checking into our website. Growing up in Kettering my first two grade school friends were Jim Combs and Gary Oxley. We had some fun times back then and I think of the two of them with a smile on my face. It was a time when a boy could leave the house in the morning and then be back home before the street lamps came on, and not be in trouble. The freedom of childhood back then is a faded memory for most of us, but if you think about long enough you will hear the sounds of summer. Baseball games in our backyards or at Pasadena's ball diamond there were always things boys did together for fun. Thank you Jim for those wonderful moments that I still cherish.
My most sincere condolences go to Jim's wife, Sandra and their children during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you.
Stunning and sad to hear about Jim's death. I remember him mostly from endless interscholastic basketball practices and games, from junior high school through high school- a limited, but rich and valuable time together.
I remember him as scrappy and sincere, with a wonderful smile and warmth. My best to his surviving family. I miss him.
I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. We have lost many from our class and Jim is one of my favorites. We clowned and played during the Van Buren years and Jim was a super athlete. Our paths crossed less at Fairmont but it was always fun when they did.
A husband of 46 years speaks for itself. A father and grandfather, too. I'm sure he is missed greatly by those closest to him. My sincerest condolences to those who are grieving his loss.
"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Helen Keller
First memory of Jimmy is Elementary basketball. Southdale vs Pasadena where he played. First time I saw knee pads, and above was Jimmy! Like Bucky, we played B ball together at Van Buren. Jim always had just tons of energy that helped with his obvious talents in basketball. I'll add here that Steve Logan was a fellow member on the Southdale team, competitor while at Barnes, and then I was a fan of his at Fairmont where he and Jim were outstanding guards! (I too, miss spell check)
Fred "Budd" Egleston
I' m deeply saddened by this terrible news when checking into our website. Growing up in Kettering my first two grade school friends were Jim Combs and Gary Oxley. We had some fun times back then and I think of the two of them with a smile on my face. It was a time when a boy could leave the house in the morning and then be back home before the street lamps came on, and not be in trouble. The freedom of childhood back then is a faded memory for most of us, but if you think about long enough you will hear the sounds of summer. Baseball games in our backyards or at Pasadena's ball diamond there were always things boys did together for fun. Thank you Jim for those wonderful moments that I still cherish.
My most sincere condolences go to Jim's wife, Sandra and their children during this difficult time. May God bless and comfort you.
Stephen Lowry
Stunning and sad to hear about Jim's death. I remember him mostly from endless interscholastic basketball practices and games, from junior high school through high school- a limited, but rich and valuable time together.
I remember him as scrappy and sincere, with a wonderful smile and warmth. My best to his surviving family. I miss him.
Steve Lowry
William Cantrell
I am so sorry to learn of Jim's passing. We have lost many from our class and Jim is one of my favorites. We clowned and played during the Van Buren years and Jim was a super athlete. Our paths crossed less at Fairmont but it was always fun when they did.
A husband of 46 years speaks for itself. A father and grandfather, too. I'm sure he is missed greatly by those closest to him. My sincerest condolences to those who are grieving his loss.
"What we have once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us." Helen Keller
Norbert Keeney
Jimmy was the real thing! He and I were good friends playing basketball at Van Buren Jr, High.... God bless you Jimmy?
Samuel Morabito
First memory of Jimmy is Elementary basketball. Southdale vs Pasadena where he played. First time I saw knee pads, and above was Jimmy! Like Bucky, we played B ball together at Van Buren. Jim always had just tons of energy that helped with his obvious talents in basketball. I'll add here that Steve Logan was a fellow member on the Southdale team, competitor while at Barnes, and then I was a fan of his at Fairmont where he and Jim were outstanding guards! (I too, miss spell check)