James Donald Coombs

GROTON, N.Y. - James Donald Coombs, 88, of Groton, N.Y., was laid to rest on Friday, April 25,2025 at the Caves Springs Cemetery. Born in Apex, Ky. March 1, 1936, he was the son of the late Reginald E. and Artie Mae Lile Coombs. “Don” had passed peacefully with his family by his side on December 14, 2024.

He grew up in the Christian and Muhlenberg counties area, graduating from Lacy High School. Upon graduation, he enlisted in the US Army where he served with the 11 th Airborne as a paratrooper while serving an overseas tour in Germany. In addition, he served with the 110 th Military Police VII Core during this tour. Upon returning to the States, he was stationed at Fort Knox, KY. It was here that he met Corporal Betty J. Pursey, Women’s Army Corp.

They would marry and spend 64 years raising their family in the Cortland, Groton N.Y. area. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his infant brother, Darrell, sister, Brenda Nell Webster, and son James Steven.

Survivors include his wife; two daughters, Teresa Miller and Cindy (David) Geesey of Coats, NC. and two sons Scot (Melanie) Coombs of Newark Valley, NY and Jody (Tracy) Coombs of Groton, NY. He was grandfather to Michael, Amber, Aubri, Tavi, Ashley, Amanda (Billy), Nicole, Courtney (Jeremy), Nick (Emily), Paige (David), Corey, Cody and Maddie. He was also blessed with nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by three sisters, Imogene Wells, Joy Faye Ragland and Joetta Brown all of Greenville, KY, several cousins, nieces and nephews.