James M. McComb

James M. McComb, 93, of Naples, FL and Peoria, IL, surrounded by his loving family, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, September 21, 2025. He was the devoted husband of Catherine (Dale) McComb, with whom he shared 68 years of marriage.

Born On May 10, 1932, in Des Moines, Iowa, he was the son of Roy 'Red' and Kathryn (Gleason) McComb. Jim was an All-American high school swimmer in Clinton, IA and turned down a swimming scholarship at Iowa State to instead attend the University of Notre Dame where he graduated cum laude with a degree in Business Administration in 1954. He cherished his years at Notre Dame, especially his senior year, when a blind date led him to meet the love of his life, Kay, who was a sophomore at St Mary's College. After graduation, he entered the U.S Army and was a survey officer for the 804th Field Artillery Battalion during the Korean conflict. He was honorably discharged from the Army in 1956 and married Kay on June 29, 1957 in Franklin, PA.

He began his automotive career in the Manning organization based out of Des Moines, Iowa. In 1962, he and Paul Manning opened Manning-McComb Chevrolet in Peoria, IL. In 1972, he became sole proprietor of Jim McComb Chevrolet and was a successful and respected dealer throughout Illinois. He retired in 1997, after selling the dealership to the Uftring Auto Group.

Throughout his distinguished automotive career, Jim was a member of the Peoria Metro Dealers Association where he served as President. He was also the President of the Peoria New Car Dealers. He was a member of the Illinois Auto Dealers Association and was named Chairman of the Board in 1994. Jim was awarded the prestigious IADA's Time Magazine Quality Dealer of the Year in 1978 and was consistently honored by Chevrolet Motor Division for outstanding sales and service in the 35 years he was a Chevrolet Dealer in Peoria.

His leadership extended deeply into the community. He served on the board of directors of many organizations including the Better Business Bureau of Central Illinois, the Broadway Theater League, the Catholic Interracial Council of Peoria, the Peoria Civic Ballet, the Bradley University Newman Foundation, the Moss-Bradley Homeowners and Historical Revolving Foundation and the Peoria Chapter of the University of Notre Dame Club and was named Man of the Year in 1970.

After his retirement, he and Kay spent more time in Naples, Florida and he served on numerous boards within their Beachwalk community. In his free time, he enjoyed tennis and golf and watching Notre Dame Football. He cherished his time with his large circle of family and friends. Jim was a man of deep faith and unwavering integrity. He loved God, his family, friends, and life itself. He was respected not only as a businessman, but as a humble and kind-hearted man.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Kay and their six children: Kate (Doug) Massop of Des Moines, IA, Matt (Judi) McComb, of Peoria, IL, Molly (Jim) Conahan of Highlands Ranch, CO, Mike (Val) McComb of Silverthorne, CO, Maria (John) Lombardo of Glendale, AZ and Dan (Audrey) McComb of Littleton, CO. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Sheryl Opeland.

He was a cherished Grandpa to 16 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren with 3 more on the way. He was the devoted patriarch of his family imparting lessons of unwavering love and devotion. He will always be remembered for his quick wit, his fondness for Neil Diamond's 'Sweet Caroline', his enjoyment of watching episodes of Gunsmoke, and his steadfast loyalty to the Fighting Irish.

Visitation will be held at Wright & Salmon Mortuary on Sunday, October 5, 2025, between the hours of 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mark Catholic Church on Monday, October 6, 2025, at 10:30 AM with an additional visitation one hour prior to mass. Father Robert Lampitt will officiate and burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery in West Peoria.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim's name may be to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Mark School in Peoria where all his children attended.

Friends and family are encouraged to log onto www.wrightandsalmon.com to sign the online guestbook, submit photos and share Jim's memorial page via social media.

Funeral arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Wright & Salmon Mortuary. (309-688-4441)