Jan Marie Combs

Dr. Jan Arvin Combs, LTC Army Retired, died at her home in El Paso, Texas on Wednesday March 16, 2016. Dr. Combs was the daughter of the late LTC (Ret) Bob Arvin and Maxine Armstrong of Loogootee and wife of James Combs of Washington, Indiana. Born June 13, 1956 in New York at the Military Hospital in St. Albans. After her father retired from the Army they settled back on the family farm in Rutherford Township, Martin County, Indiana. Dr. Combs graduated from Loogootee High School in 1974 and went on to Indiana University where she obtained 2 Bachelor degrees ( ‘80 and ’84) and a Master of Science (’84). She received her Medical Degree from The Uniformed Services University F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine in 1988 and completed a hand Fellowship in 1999 from The National Hand Institute which lead to her becoming a board certified hand surgeon. Dr. Combs retired from the Army and surgical practice in 2010.

Dr. Combs and her husband James met while she was playing in the local softball leagues. They were married May 21, 1975 just after finishing her freshman year at Indiana University. Dr. Combs took the next year off of school to start a family, having her daughter the next summer before returning to school. While at Indiana Dr. Combs was a walk on for the Field Hockey team where she lettered for four seasons. Her senior year Dr. Combs was awarded the Scholastic Achievement award for her success on the field and in the classroom.

The consummate educator, Dr. Combs first taught school from 1980-1982 at Franklin High School in Franklin, Indiana. At Franklin she taught mathmatics, was the computer science teacher, and the school athletic trainer. After her residency in orthopedic surgery at William Beaumont in 1994, Dr. Combs returned in 1999 as staff at the same teaching hospital. She enjoyed educating new doctors and turning them into the best surgeons they could be.

Kind and caring, Dr. Combs took extra care with those who were the most in need. As part of her training she worked at the Shriner’s Hospital in Spokane, Washington. Working on cases involving children with global impairments or other types of disabling handicaps and was among the highlights of her training. Dr. Combs had a kind and caring heart, often times larger than life.

Educating also extending into academic publications. She co-authored numerous academic journal articles as well as presenting at national and international conferences on the subjects of Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine. Dr. Combs was an excellent artist, often illustrating her journal articles with anatomical drawings of her own creation. Her love of art was fostered and developed while at Loogootee High School under the tutelage of her teacher, and lifelong friend, Fred Roberts.

In 2008 Dr. Combs received the W.W. Patty Distinguished Alumni Award from the Indiana University School of Public Health. This award is presented each year to alumni of the school (formerly the School of Health Physical Education and Recreation) to a person showing excellence in professional and personal achievement. Dr. Combs was extremely honored to be recognized by her Alma Mater in this way and considered this award one of her most treasured.

Dr. Combs was deployed to the United Nations Stabilization Force (SFOR) in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1996 while she was stationed at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, Germany. Among her many military citations and awards Dr. Combs received the Bronze Star in 2003 for her actions with the 745th FST in Iraq. Dr. Combs was one of two orthopedic surgeons on the team performing battlefield triage and surgery while attached to the 3rd Infantry Division during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). She later became the commander of the 745th while stationed at Ft. Bliss in El Paso, Texas as well as Chief of Hand Surgery at William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

During her military career Dr. Combs held academic appointments at both Texas Tech University and at the Uniformed Services University. In addition Dr. Combs held memberships in the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (fellow), the American College of Sports Medicine (fellow), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (life member), the Society of Military Orthopedic Surgeons, the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Armed Forces Athletic Trainers’ Association, the Wilderness Medical Society, and the American Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Dr. Combs is survived by her husband James, daughter Shannon Bennett (husband Kelly), grandsons Kieran and Euan, and her brother James Arvin (wife Helen). She is predeceased by her parents and brother Jack Arvin. A memorial is planned for the early summer with burial at Truelove cemetery next to her parents. In lieu of flowers or gifts to the family please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or the Pre-Eclampsia Foundation and HELLP Syndrome Society.