Obituary of Captain James David Coombs

James David Coombs was born November 3, 1951, in Cape May, New Jersey. He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida with his family as a teenager and graduated from Northeast High School.

After several years in Florida, Dave relocated again to New Jersey until his retirement years when he returned to Florida. He passed away at his home in Largo, Florida. He was 71 years of age.

Survived by Grandson, James Louis Coombs; Sister, Patricia Coombs Cleary (James), Brothers Russell Dixon Coombs (Josephine), Edward Robert Coombs (Susan); Many loved cousins, nieces, nephews and a large family of friends.

Preceded in death by his beloved Wife Audrey Nicholson; Mother and Father, Russell H Coombs and Myrtle Morton Coombs; Sons, James Coombs (Lynn) and Jerry Coombs; Brothers, Charles H. Coombs (Jean) and John H. Coombs (Carol).

Dave lived a very full life with many diverse experiences which he mastered. He was an avid and skilled fisherman. He was a boat Captain, running charter boats as well as delivering luxury vessels to seasonal destinations. Many memorable days were spent on his winning tournament fishing boat, “The Chubby Chaser”. He was the owner of Dave Coombs Fiberglass and retired after many years of self-employment in boat building and repair. He was previously a Chef for a large Atlantic City Casino, The Taj Mahal, overseeing excellent food service to as many as 6000 patrons daily. In his earlier years, Dave managed a large community where he became knowledgeable in the building and repair trades. He was always willing and ready to help friends and family on any project they were working on and shared his knowledge, teaching his skills along the way. Dave was musically talented and played drums in several bands. He loved to entertain both musically and comically. His humor was well known for dressing in lederhosen and hat with long braids, playing a vigorous polka with his Stumpf fiddle, to everyone’s delight. Always ready to entertain, Dave made many happy memories arriving as Santa Clause for holiday events and gatherings. He enjoyed cooking and socializing with his friends in his community. He enjoyed their weekly potluck dinners, their dinner outings and especially found joy cooking for the community on holidays. He enjoyed time with his weekly poker buddies, had great fun planning his winning Halloween costumes and taking part in all the holiday celebrations.

Dave loved his family and his many friends who became family. He loved the children in the family. He was a wonderful mentor and supporter of his younger siblings, sons and his nieces and nephews. Whether he gave them a job working for him or taking them fishing, he showed them a positive, wonderful role model through sharing conversation, jokes and memorable times and lessons. His pride was his Grandson, James Coombs. Watching James grow to be the fine young man he has become was his great joy.

Dave loved his wife Audrey so very much. She was his “Awesome Aud”. They had a wonderful life together. Whether sharing laughs with friends at home or cruising on motorcycles, any time spent with Audrey was the best time of his life. Audrey preceded Dave on their journey to the House of our Lord. Just as Dave and Audrey are now reunited, so will their ashes be united and released at sea, together again for eternity.

Captain James David Coombs lived a full and interesting life with abundant humor and was loved by all who knew him. He will be dearly missed by all.

A Celebration of his life will be held at the Clubhouse of Shangri-La Condominium, Largo, FL on November 4th at 4:30PM.

*Brother, Edward Robert Coombs, wrote a piece appropriate to our brother, Captain Dave. Like the turtle, Equally at home on land or sea, Shaping his abilities to the need, Once confined to land, He now returns to the sea.