Charleston, South Carolina
James Hagood Holcombe CHARLESTON - Entered into eternal rest on Thursday, November 26, 2009. James Hagood Holcombe, Sr., was born in Charleston on December 6, 1924, a son of Edward Peddleford Holcombe and Sue Chaplin Holcombe. He attended Porter Military Academy and graduated from the High School of Charleston. He flew a PBY in World World II earning the rank of Lt. Colonel, specializing in search and rescue. He flew one of the first planes to land in Japan to retrieve our POW's, as well as being one of the first pilots to fly over the Himalayan Mountains. He was an intrinsic member of the community having many memberships: past Commodore of the Carolina Yacht Club, South Carolina Society, St. Andrews Society, Charleston Club, Sons of the Confederacy, Sea Island Yacht Club, and Green Turtle Club. He held the M.A.I. designation in the American Institute of Realtors, the S.R.P.A. designation of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers, a Senior Member of The American Society of Appraisers, past President of Charleston Trident Association of Realtors, past President of the South Carolina Chapter of American Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, and past President of the Charleston Chapter of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers. He was a former Commodore and one of the founders of the Charleston Ocean Racing Association, past Commodore of the Southern Ocean Racing Commission. He will always be remembered for his admiration and love for his bride of 65 years, Betty, outstanding wit, amazing ability to tell a great story and joke, and of course his stoicism. Mr. Holcombe is survived by his daughter Sally H. Templeton and her husband John; his grandchildren, Neyle T. Morris, Rhett T. Ambrite, Beth Gillett and Tyler Gillett; his great-grandchildren: Mills Morris, Rhett Morris, Ford Ambrite, Madeleine Ambrite, and Shelby Gillett; his brother, Edward P. Holcombe, III. He was predecessed by his daughter, Linda Jean H. Gillett and his son, James H. Holcombe, Jr. The family would like to express their sincere appreciation and gratitude to the caregivers: Jeanette Brown, Antonett Ramsey, Ruthie Mae Rainey and Barbara Robinson. The relatives and friends of James Hagood Holcome, Sr., are invited to attendhis Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at Grace Episcopal Church. The Committal will be held in Magnolia Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Carolina Yacht Club. Donations may be made to Scottish Rite Hospital, 2222 Welborn Street, Dallas, Texas, 75219, the Ronald McDonald House, or charity of your choice. Condolence messages may be sent to his guest book at our website, www.charlestonfunerals.com. Arrangements are by the JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, 1620 Savannah Hwy. Charleston, 766-1365. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths
Our personal and business families extend their sympathies to the family and friends of Mr. Holcombe. We know he made an important personal irreplaceable connection and impression with so many. Sincerely, The Newman's and The Horse and Cart Cafe.
Ken Newman
December 05, 2009 | Mt. Pleasant, SC
December 2, 2009
To the Holcombe family:
We knew your parents, Betty and Jimmy, many years ago. As a matter of fact, I was your grandfather's (Ed) secretary at Home Federal (1959-1961) and came to know all of the Holcombe's back then. What a wonderful family! Please accept our sympathy and hopes that each day will bring a big smile to your face as you remember all of your fun times together. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Rah Rah and Ann Smith
Robert & Ann Smith
December 03, 2009 | Charleston, SC
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Holcombe passing away. He and Mrs. Holcombe were both such wonderful people. I am happy to have known such a fine man.
Tracy Searson
December 01, 2009 | Charleston, SC
We will all miss the most courageous man I’ve ever known and a great neighbor.
Most sincerely,
John Rivers
John M. Rivers, Jr.
November 30, 2009 | Charleston, SC
As one of the finest southern gentlemen that I have every met, Jimmy Holcombe will be sorely missed. There are not many who can follow in his footsteps. Jane Horn
November 30, 2009
Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe have been two of the kindest friends that our family has ever known. Mr. Holcombe was a "Man's man".
Cantey and Foxy Foxworth
November 30, 2009
Jimmy and I were friends in High School. We had many great times. I think of him often. He will remain in my prayers.
Thomas Darby
November 29, 2009 | Tampa, FL
