James Linford McCombs

Chief Master Sergeant (Retired) James L. McCombs 89, of Highland, California went home to be with his Lord and Savior on May 31, 2024, after a brief illness. James was born to Whittie and Lettye McCombs in Winona, Mississippi. His parents, wanting a better life for their family, moved to St. Louis, Missouri where James graduated from Sumner High School and enrolled in Stowe Teachers College. He received his AA degree from San Bernardino Valley College and later received his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. James enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954 and retired at Norton A.F.B, California in 1977 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant, the highest enlisted rank. While in the Air Force, James met and married the love of his life, Shigeko Hisamichi. They were blessed with three daughters. The family traveled extensively throughout the United States as well as in Japan. James also served in Vietnam.

James was committed to serve wherever he saw the need: He was a member of the Kiwanis Club of Inland Center, the National Association of Postal Service, the American Legion Post 14, a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, a board member at the Frazee Community Center, and Past Worshipful Master of the Cherry Blossom Lodge 42, Masonic Lodge. He was a Boy Scout, with one merit badge from becoming an Eagle Scout and was an avid sports fan.

After retiring from the Air Force, James was employed at the Jerry L. Pettis Veterans’ Hospital in Loma Linda, CA and was an Automation Readability Specialist at the U.S. Postal Service. James, a musician himself (Piano and Saxophone), truly loved Jazz and rarely missed an opportunity to attend a concert. He was recognized as the Humanitarian of the Year by the San Bernardino Black Culture Foundation and served as a Deacon and Choir Member at the Traditional Community Fellowship Chapel in Highland, CA.

Preceding James in death were his father Whittie Lee McCombs and his mother Lettye Virginia (Doyle) McCombs. Leaving to celebrate his life and legacy are his wife, Gay Shigeko McCombs; daughters, Shirley McCombs-Swayne (David) of Altadena, CA, Kay McCombs-Toliver of Redlands, CA, and Janet McCombs of Highland, CA; grandchildren, Brieana Toliver of Highland, CA, Ashley Countee of Altadena, CA, Donavan Toliver of Highland, CA, Nicolette Swayne of Altadena, CA, Evan Swayne of Altadena, CA; great granddaughter, Suki Rose Skien of Altadena, CA; brother, Willis Charles McCombs (Carrie) of Petersburg, VA; nephew, Frederick McCombs of Petersburg, VA; niece, Carlita McCombs of Sterling, VA; and a host of friends and relatives from around the world.