James Thomas Corbett

I served under CDR Corbett during my enlistment with the USN Seabees in NMCB 4. I can Honestly say our skipper was one of the finest men I have ever known and I was luck to serve our country with him. Many of the lessons learned in NMCB 4 I still put to use today. Thank you SIr, God Bless you and your Family, Dan Eichelberger, Phila, PA

I was quite saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Corbett, who I served under during his tenure as XO then CO of the Navy Public Works Center in San Diego. Over the past two decades since I left active duty, I've occasionally thought about some of the words of wisdom and encouragement that he dispensed to me as a young junior officer, and his final departing expression of how proud he and Jan were of me and my future plans. There was something just so authentic and accessible about Jim that I appreciated. It took me a very long time, but over the past decade or so I found myself slowly taking up some of the endurance and outdoor activities that he enjoyed participating in. At the time I served in his wardroom, I thought some of his outdoor excursions were incomprehensible athletic feats, but now I understand the draw. I often wondered if we might cross paths at some event in the future, and was even coincidentally signed up for a triathlon not too far from his neighborhood. I would have liked to let him know how inspired I was by the way he lived his life. May you rest in peace skipper, and my deepest condolences go out to Jan and the entire family

It was an honor serving under you sir. You where truly the best skipper NMCB 4 has ever had. You made a positive impact on all os us that had the honor to serve along side of you. You were a great mentor, friend, and leader. I will always have the great memories of the battalion with you as our CO. My thoughts and prayers to your family in this tough time.

During my active duty Seabee Career I have the good fortune to meet Captain Corbett on several occasions and consider him one of the great Navy Civil Engineer Corps leaders like Retired RADM Jack Buffington during my tenure. Both Captain Corbett and RADM Jack Buffington always knew names of the personnel they met regardless of where it might of been. During the first Gulf war I was in NMCB NMCB Fighting FORTY where we co-shared the same camp, camp # 13 W/NMCB FOUR. It was common knowledge and with complete respect that we regarded Captain Corbett as the "Camp Commandant". He expressed a genuine interest when conversing W/him.
May our almighty Father grant you eternal peace.

Thank you for your wisdom and kindness Skipper.

Captain Corbett was my CO is NMCB 4 from 1990 - 1993, one of if not the best CO that I had the honor of serving with in my 31 years of active duty. He had a genuine concern for everyone he came in contact with throughout his life. One of the things that really amazed me about this man during our time in the Battalion, if you happened to be married he remembered the name of your spouse and children. He cared enough to remember everyone. Just one short story during our over the hump party in the Philippines during Mt. Pinatubo recovery he took the mike on the stage and sang Ice, Ice Baby. Everyone was rolling!!!!! Rest in Peace Skipper!!! Fair Winds and Following Seas, until we meet again.

Captain Corbett was my commanding officer while I was assigned to NMCB 4 from 1990-1992. He was definitely one of the best CO's that I ever served under. He was very personable and had a genuine concern for everyone's well being under his command; he will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Jim and I played tennis once a week for about 8 years staring in 2010. Him and Jan are dear friends and had us to their home for a Christmas/ New Year dinner celebration for several years... He was such a great guy, a true Renaissance man and I really miss him. Cheers and Hugs, Chris and Kate Toogood

Jim was my client, my XO, CO, fishing buddy, travel partner, and good friend. His loss is deeply felt. I will miss him always. But I will carry such great memories!

Having served with Jim in the Navy and been a friend and neighbor in retirement I've marveled at his ability to connect with people in all walks of life. He was involved in a variety of sports, outdoors and cultural activities and made great friends everywhere he went. He will be sorely missed by me and all those whose lives he has touched throughout his years. Jill joins me in extending our sincerest condolences to Jan and all the Corbett family.

I was a cohort of Jim's in the CEC and remember him fondly as an intelligent, genuine and giving mentor. He will be missed.

Jan and the rest of the Corbett family, I have fond memories of working with CAPT Corbett in 1995. I knew when he was in our building whether I actually saw him or not. His kinetic energy could be felt throughout the building! I worked directly for him for a short 5 months before taking a job on Guam. It was the saddest and hardest day in my career to walk down the hall to his office to tell him I was going to leave so soon. He was an amazing person and was a person that walk his talk in every way. My heartfelt condolences to you all. Debbie Fisher