Born and raised in Jersey City, NJ, James moved to Frankford Township in 1986 with his beloved wife, Karla. James worked in various professions throughout his life, prior to retiring, James was a school bus driver for 7 years. In his early years, he was an amateur boxer, with 8 wins and 2 loses and a proud member of the Ring 25 Boxing Association of NJ.
James is survived by his large and loving family: his sons James Coombs, David Coombs, Michael Coombs, Robert Coombs, William Coombs, and Matthew Minnig; his daughters Karla Smith, Donna Gundermann, and Christine Klemser; his sister Vicki Danno (George); his brother Michael Coombs; and his
Brother Charles (Sharon) Coombs . He also leaves behind 31 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren who will miss him dearly.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Karla R. Newby Coombs.
James will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his passion for boxing, and his service to the community. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
A visitation will be held Thursday, May 23, 2024 from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Smith-McCracken Funeral Home, 63 High Street, Newton, NJ. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10:00am at Saint Thomas of Aquin Roman Catholic Church, 53 Kennedy Ave, Ogdensburg, NJ with a burial service to follow at Saint Thomas Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in James' memory may be made to Worldwide Marriage Encounter, 95 Kingston Ave, Hawthorne, NJ 07506.
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