Elder James O. Combs

Elder James Combs age 78, left peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior at Bayhealth Medical Center at Kent General, on Friday, July 20, 2018, praising the Lord, surrounded by his loving wife, children, family and friends. Elder Combs was born on December 25, 1939, to loving parents, Thomas and Katie Combs. He was a loving and devoted husband, an amazing father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. He received his education from William Henry Comprehensive High in Dover. During that time, he was a gifted athlete who played football, basketball and his favorite sport, baseball. Jim, as he was affectionately called, was a known as a “slugger” who would hit the ball out of the park. Elder Combs met the love of his life, Elsie Camper in 1958. They were united in holy matrimony on July 9, 1960, in Sharptown, Maryland. This union was blessed with three loving daughters. Elder Combs was employed at Abex Steel Company in New Castle, Delaware for many years. He also worked for and retired from Metal Masters. Elder Combs was saved at an early age, under the leadership of Elder Irene Sudler “Big Mom”. He served as a faithful and active member of St. John’s Holy Church and was called into the ministry in 1962. Elder Combs enjoyed singing with his brothers in their group, “The Gospel Impressions”. He was ordained an Elder in 1988, under the leadership of Elder H. A. Williams. He also served faithfully as her assistant Pastor and was installed as pastor in 1994. Elder Combs had come through many trails, adversities, and attacks on his body down through the years, but his faith in God never wavered; it remained unmovable, for he knew that God was in control, and like the title of one his sermons, “It’s a “Fixed Fight.” Elder Combs fought the “good fight of faith”, preaching the word of God, winning souls to Christ in these last and evil days. For like the words of one of his favorite songs he prayed we’ll all be ready. Elder Combs was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Katie Combs; brothers, Thomas Lee, Dennis, and Jerry; and sister, Estelle “Sis” Sudler. Elder Combs leaves to cherish his precious memories, his loving wife of 58 years, Elsie Combs; three children, Deborah Landrum (David, Jr.), Sonya White, (John, Sr.), and Betty Luke (John, Sr.); four grandchildren, John White, Jr., Brittney White, Albert Camper, and John Luke, Jr.; three great-grandchildren; Faith White, Amyra and Amiya Redwine; two brothers, William Combs (Dorothy) , Frederick Combs (Lorraine); sister, Vivian Hampton (Elmer); three brothers-in- law; seven sisters- in- law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, friends, and the St. John’s Holy Church family. Lovingly submitted, by the Family. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elder James O. Combs, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Elder James O. Combs

December 25, 1939 - July 20, 2018