James Lee Combs Sr.

James Combs was born in Desoto Parrish, LA on June 25, 1942 to Jessie and Lucy Combs. He was the youngest of 9 siblings; 4 of whom preceded him in death.

James was an excellent student, graduating at the early age of 16 from All Saints High School in Pelican, LA. On January 17, 1962, James married Vera, from this union, two sons were born, Kenneth and James Jr. Shortly after their marriage, James and Vera moved to Portland, OR. James became a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Reverend James Faulkner. James had a rewarding career with the Housing Authority of Portland. He was the first African American hired in the maintenance department, as a janitor. James had a strong work ethic, over the years he held positions as a laborer, garbage truck driver, and maintenance mechanic. In 1995, James retired from the Housing Authority as maintenance supervisor after 30 years of dedicated service.

James had a love for sports at an early age. He began playing baseball in high school, playing his first championship game on the field at Grambling College, taking second in state. He continued his passion for baseball and began coaching Little League Baseball for Riverside in 1978. James was devoted to his role, coaching for 27 consecutive years until he retired in 2005. Throughout his career he was selected countless times to serve as an All-Star Coach.

Obituary

Over the span of his coaching career, he coached his son, grandsons and many young men who have come to know and recognize him as a role model and father figure. His legacy as a coach and community leader was recognized in 2003 when Riverside named a baseball field in his honor, the "James Combs Field".

A devoted father and husband, James most enjoyed spending time with his family. He always looked forward to the holiday seasons, especially summer for barbecuing. His ribs were enjoyed by many family and friends. James also enjoyed rabbit hunting, playing cards, talking sports (for hours on end), and lovingly nick- naming his grandchildren and great-grandchildren (Juice, Butthead, Hook-head, Long-head, Slack-britches, Miss Minnie, Bubba, Red). Throughout his life, he earned respect for his sense of integrity, generosity and his care and sincere concern for others. Everyone who knew him loved him and enjoyed his company.

James leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Vera Mae Combs; two sons: Kenneth Combs and James Combs, Jr.; One daughter-in-law: Tenicea Amos-Combs; two brothers: Jessie Combs, Jr. (Oakland, CA), Alfred Combs, (Shreveport, LA); three sisters: Hattie Redic (Houston, TX), Ernie Bradley (Oxnard, CA), Sidnie Moore (Portland, OR); seven grandchildren: LeQuisha Dawson, Kenneth Combs, Jr., LaTasha Frison-Combs, Deshaun Combs, Jerrell Combs, Joshua Combs, Ja'Lyn Combs; two godsons: James Mayes IV and David Hart, Jr.; one god-daughter Denyse Peterson; nine great- grandchildren: J'Kari, Andre, LaTerra, Jaden, Quinton, Theresa, Kavion, Ter'Rae, Kavontey; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and close friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Caldwell's, Hennessey, Goetsch & McGee Funeral Home, Portland, OR.