Rev. James R. Coombs

VERNON -- Rev. James R. Coombs, S.S.E, 88, died on Jan. 29, 2008.

Rev. Coombs, son of Robert and Mary (Morin) Coombs, was born on Dec. 2, 1919 in West Dummerston. He was a professed member of the Society of Saint Edmund for 59 years and an Edmundite priest for over 55 years.

Rev. Coombs graduated from Fordham University in New York City in 1947 with a B.A. in education. At the end of his sophomore year at Fordham, he entered the U.S. Navy. He was a U.S. Navy lieutenant during World War II and also a liason officer to the British Fleet. He returned to civilian life in 1946 to continue his studies.

Following his ordination in 1952, Rev. Coombs' journey as a priest began as teacher at the Cardinal Mindzenty High School in Dunkirk, N.Y.

In 1954, “Father Jake” was called to St. Michael's College where he served in positions as faculty member, dean of men, and guidance counselor until 1962. He also became involved and was a guiding light to the radio station of St. Michael's College, now known as WWPV.

Rev. Coombs was principal of the Cardinal Mindzenty High School from 1962 to 1964 at which time he was assigned to the South Shore Catholic High School in Greenfield Park, Quebec, Canada, as chaplain.

Rev. Coombs returned to St. Michael's College in 1965. He directed the masters program in counseling, served as associate professor of education, director of continuing education for Edmundites, and director of the St. Michael's College Extension Services and the St. Michael's College summer session until his retirement in 1990.

While retired, Rev. Coombs remained active with pastoral assistance and adult faith formation at the West River Missions in Putney from 1991 until 2004, and adult faith formation at the Vernon Advent Christian Home in Vernon from 2004 to 2007.

Besides his brothers in religion, Rev. Coombs is survived by his nieces, Katherine Spillman of Keene, N.H., Mary Margaret Verril of Greenfield, Mass., and Mary Elizabeth Ratte of Brattleboro; and nephews Francis Shea of Burlington, John Shea of South Carolina, Joseph Coombs of Brattleboro, John Coombs, M.D. of Seattle and William Coombs of Phoenix.

Visiting hours will be held Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the KER-WESTERLUND & FLEMING FUNERAL HOME, 57 High St., Brattleboro.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday at 11 a.m. at St. Michael's Church, 47 Walnut St., Brattleboro.

Interment will follow at St. Michael's Cemetery on Oak Grove Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: Edmundite Southern Missions, 1428 Broad Street, Selma, AL 36701.u