James Leroy McCombs

James Leroy McCombs of Bonney Lake, Washington, passed away on March 27, 2023. He was born in Eau Claire, WI, on August 8, 1942 to Norma and Thomas McCombs. When Jim was 15, the family moved to Renton, WA.

After graduating from Renton High School in 1960, Jim enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Kansas. After being discharged, he returned to Washington state and took a job with Boeing as a mechanic. He met and married Christie Holt in 1968, and they had two children: Scott and Lori. In the early '70's, Jim worked at Buffco and Denny's, and attended Bellevue Community College and earned his AA before returning to Boeing where he worked as a parts buyer in the procurement group.

Following a divorce, Jim reconnected with former high school classmate Betty Young, and they were married in 1978. Together they juggled careers, raised Betty's three children and Jim's two as a blended family, and made a lifetime of memories together. This past February they celebrated 45 years of marriage.

Jim loved spending time outdoors – hiking, camping, and exploring with his family. He was a good cook and the main chef in the household. His slender frame belied his huge appetite for bread, mashed potatoes, and ice cream! Through example he taught his children responsibility and compassion. Many would describe Jim as having a quiet demeanor and would be surprised to hear the emphatic directives and pronouncements emanating from his recliner “bench” during Seahawks games.

He is survived by his wife, Betty McCombs; his children, Todd Young (Joelene), Joelle Briggs (Rod), Scott McCombs, Lori Gartner (Ray), and Rachel Young; his grandchildren, Cece Young, Levi and Elizabeth Briggs, Nathan, Mackenzie, and Jadyn Gartner, Xander Zipp and Levon Young; his

sister, Rochelle; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; step-father, Steve Krenciprock; and his brothers, Mike and Tom.